Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the best robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. self cleaning vacuum can leave unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Several 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. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
In self cleaning vacuum to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning frequently. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can then set them up by zones, rooms, or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot by voice. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you from a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction, and both come with a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to standard features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner 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 around your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.