Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more 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 also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They should be emptying 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. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included in the robot.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the brand. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important since these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can set them up by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Several popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them 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 tidy your entire home in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a big self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle the entire house with a single 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 an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you'll need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these advanced features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with best budget robot vacuum when you're looking for more features it will cost more but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.