Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other particles from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. robot vacuum cleaner best buy lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Many of the 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. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's included with your robot vacuum.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep 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 make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out a manual that includes tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer great value. They both have a good suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. 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 the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop carpets and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not become 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.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.