Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. smart vacuum cleaner can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones within your house for certain 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 likely be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. 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 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they should be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and resolve common issues, which is important because these machines aren't expensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power of full-sized 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 charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with 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 more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able tackle your 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 has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce cleaning time. They 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 stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.