Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make an important difference to the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. Although there isn't Robot Vacuum Mops that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean an entire home in one go.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you a lot of frustration. 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.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable reservoir for water, 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 is not a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture 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 require some daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select an item with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price range.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can 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 toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting 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 keep track of the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.