Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent in removing pet hair, dust and other messes from hard floors and carpets. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are also less expensive 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 dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed below use objects detection to identify what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's with the 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. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will require cleaning frequently. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
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 follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to understand. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. Several popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean the entire home in one go.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an internal or removable reservoir for water, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
In addition to standard features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium 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 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you want, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price point.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or 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 to the best robotic vacs. vacuum deals forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.