Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might require cleaning frequently. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important as these machines aren't expensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view a list of all available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
For robotic hoovers on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.