Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new appliance.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. 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 waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to see what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
Apart from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, when using an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. Many well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back there. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. best robot floor cleaner lets the machine empty its own bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also 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 picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a huge, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore, they may not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to standard features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks also have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. 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 detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, 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, but you'll have to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. 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 phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.