Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new appliance.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If it's pets or cats, you might have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days of debris. They need to be cleaned less often than the dustbin of the robot.
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. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the brand. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when 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 a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also Vacuum Bot and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable reservoir for water, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed a lot, or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every 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 have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.