Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. robot cleaner leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they need to be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see a list of all available settings and then set them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot with a voice. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single 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 gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash 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 that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a huge self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum for furniture or stairs however 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 regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in position, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.
We have the best robotic vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.