Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important distinction in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
smart robot of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in a variety of situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your 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 regularly, based on the brand. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and then set them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. Several well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire house in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will save you a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features it will cost more but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.