Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated by a smartphone application however others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic 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. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use objects detection to identify what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of debris. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure optimal performance, you should always 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, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. Generally speaking the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to look up the available settings. You can set them up by zones, rooms, or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
best rated robot vacuum on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum could save you a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer great value. Both models have a high level of suction and come with a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might 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 model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose an item with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
In addition to the basic features such as suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules 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 top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.