Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify food items, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use objects detection to identify what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They must be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out frequently. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot, to look up the available settings. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours on a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without having to drag them back there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore, they may not be able to take on your entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. self vacuum is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
Many of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn your home's layout and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Be sure to keep track of the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.