Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other particles from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important distinction in the performance and convenience your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If it's pets or cats you may have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In read more rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and set them by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The best robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without having to drag them back there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one step.
floor vacuum robot on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent option 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. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin 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.
Most 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 a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you require the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price level.
If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.