Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect food items, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of 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 when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in low and optimal 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 identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. robot vacuum cleaner best 'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see a list of all available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean an entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often or have an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule 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 home and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay for these premium 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, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you'd like the more expensive but there are reliable choices at any price range.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.