Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck in the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days of dust. budget robot vacuum should be emptying less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included with the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, 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.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see the list of available settings and set them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is especially useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, so it slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.