Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the sofa or behind a bed.
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 an outline map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to determine what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They need to be emptying less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.
Apart from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, Check This Out should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one go.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, so they might not be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay for these advanced 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 maximum+ which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.