Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app and others require physical remotes. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity 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 conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They should be emptying less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
automated vacuum cleaner of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights 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 on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction, and both come with a huge, self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they may not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed a lot or have the norm to not clean up and mop.
Many of our top picks include additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with 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.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, if you want more features, it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings 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 and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.