Robot Vacuum Cleaner Reviews

Robot vacuums tend to be less powerful than regular vacuums. They also have smaller bins, which need to be emptied more often.

They could get stuck on furniture legs or struggle to cross thresholds or stairways. These issues can be prevented by selecting a model that has no-go zones in the app or physical barriers.

1. They're More Efficient

The top robot vacuums in our tests score impressive pickup scores on carpets with a low pile and hard floors, capturing fine dust particles, sticky spills, food particles, nuts and screws made of steel and even fluffy pet hair. They aren't able to replace the traditional vacuum cleaner, particularly on rugs or in hard to clean crevices like under the sofa's legs, where debris builds up. And while many robotic vacs come with sophisticated navigation systems that assist them in avoiding obstacles and navigate around furniture, they still struggle to clean dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best robot vacuum cleaner robots are fast to map your home, smart enough to not get stuck too often and capable enough to handle the bulk of your cleaning requirements. They're also equipped with a wide range of features, such as HEPA filters and self vacuum-emptying bins, that make them more efficient than traditional vacuum cleaners.

Most robotic vacuums use surprisingly little power compared to traditional vacuum cleaners. They can consume up to three times as much electricity as a robot. They're also quiet and make them an ideal option for homes with pets or small children.

For more convenient hands-free cleaning opt for models that have a rechargeable battery built-in and a large-capacity dustbin which can hold several cleaning sessions. If you'd like to to schedule your bot's work, most robots connect to apps that let you schedule regular cleaning sessions or connect with digital voice assistants such as Amazon's Alexa and Google Assistant. Most robots can also return to their charging docks to recharge between cleaning sessions, or restart the session from where it started, even in a different space.

2. You'll find them more affordable

The savings are not huge however, robot vacuums are less expensive than most other vacuum cleaners. Mop pads and filters are needed, and the lithium-ion battery will eventually wear out. The cost of repairs and replacements can add up as well and that's why it's important to take into consideration the amount your robo-vac is likely to be used.

In our tests, even the most expensive robots struggled to reach those difficult-to-access areas under tables, sofas and bed frames. They also have less suction power and often miss dirt buried in rug and next to baseboards.

When buying a cheap robot make sure you choose a model with a high-efficiency motor and strong suction to ensure that even the smallest of particles are removed from your floors. We also test the navigation system of the robot, which must be able to navigate around obstacles and generating the map of your home. If it isn't, you will be slower and more likely to get stuck or miss areas of the room.

A lot of robots that are less expensive are Wi-Fi enabled, allowing you to schedule cleaning time. You can also control the robot through apps on your phone and voice commands through Amazon's Alexa. This is helpful if there are children or pets in the house which you'd like to keep out of certain areas. Some models come with physical barriers you can set up to prevent the vacuum from moving to areas it isn't.

Be sure to read the fine print before buying a robot that is Wi-Fi connected. Certain brands can collect data about your use and then transfer it to third parties. You'll also need to consent to allow the device to keep information about your location and the amount of time you've used the device.

3. It's more versatile

While they can't substitute a regular vacuum for deep cleaning thick carpets, they are excellent to keep floors looking and feeling clean. They can remove dust bunnies, crumbs and pet hair from hard surfaces such as tiles and wood as well as carpets with low pile and area rugs. Many robot vacuums have features that help them navigate over obstacles like furniture and stairs. Some robot vacuums can also be programmed to run according to a schedule which means you don't have to be concerned. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy lives.

The drawback of this flexibility is that robot vacs generally don't perform as well on floors that aren't paved or in areas with a lot of dirt and debris. They might be more designed for rooms with lower traffic or for periodic maintenance. Certain models have the "no-go" zone option that allows you to create virtual barriers within the app to ensure that the bot can't enter these areas. These settings are useful for homes with children, pets or a lot of clutter.

Most of the top robot vacuums also come with a rechargeable battery and a large dust bin for longer cleaning sessions. They are also able to recharge, pause and then resume where they left off which is useful for homes with large spaces. In addition, many robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant which allows you to control them with your voice. This provides a level of convenience that makes these buy robot vacuum cleaner cleaners worth the price. They can even be programmed to clean while you're away, which will provide peace of mind knowing that your home is always maintained.

4. It's safer

Robot vacuums are safer than traditional vacuum cleaners due to of the technology they use. Robots are less likely to get caught in furniture or rugs because of the sensors, computer brain and app integration. They also avoid stooping or bends, which can lead to back injuries and workplace injuries.

However, robot vacuums do have their flaws. Some robot vacuums can be unruly, causing chaos within your home. They are also more susceptible to fail than traditional vacuums and more expensive to fix. It's important to compare features and read reviews to find the ideal robot vacuum for your home.

Even the best robot vacuums might have issues with carpets that are high-pile and shaggy area rugs. These substances slow down the vacuum and drain its battery. You can try to fence off these areas physically or create an electronic barrier (in the robot vac's app) to keep them out.

It is also important to keep the vac dry and clean. Regularly emptying the bin and ensuring that it is free of dust will prolong the life of the bin. When it is not in use, you should remove the battery from your robot vacuum bot and put it away somewhere dry. This will safeguard the electronics and make sure that the sensors are working properly.

Overall, robot vacs are a great method to keep your floors in good condition without putting in the time and effort that it takes to manually clean them. They're also an excellent option for busy households and those with health considerations that would make it difficult to manually vacuum. They're also ideal for homes with an open floor plan and few obstacles.

5. They're More Fun

One of the great things about robot vacuum cleaners is that they're just plain enjoyable to use. A robotic vacuum cleaner is like having a magical assistant who handles your chores. It's also a great way to teach children about the benefits of cleaning and being responsible, as they can help monitor the bot and encourage the machine to run smoothly and efficiently.

However robot vacuum cleaners aren't 100% perfect and do have disadvantages. For one, they typically have less power than traditional vacuum cleaners and their built-in bins are smaller size than a typical canister or bag. This can lead to reduced dirt capacity and a need to empty it more frequently, especially if you have pets. Also, robot vacuums can be susceptible to becoming stuck or entangled in small obstacles that block the path of the brush roll, including socks, slippers or power cords that are thicker. It's crucial to remove these items from the area before you vacuum, and take a clean cloth to the inside of the dustbin to get rid of any debris that's sticking to its walls.

In the end robot vacuums are ideal choice for those who are looking for the convenience of automated cleaning, without sacrificing performance. They're also less expensive than traditional vacuum cleaners and provide additional flexibility, such as the ability to schedule cleaning times using your smartphone or smart robot vacuums home app. However, they're not a substitute for a standard vacuum cleaner and their limited capabilities makes them unsuitable for homes that are cluttered or with lots of furniture.