Best Robot Vacuums
The top rated robot vacuum robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner (you could look here) might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is offered on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out frequently. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task the robot will pick up 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. The best robot floor cleaner vacuums are able to last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with 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. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a good suction level and come with a big self vacuum-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you have to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.