Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and automatic floor vacuum maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. 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 that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most 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. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They must be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is offered on a variety of high-rated robot vacuum cleaners vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard 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 more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot using voice. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, then 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 but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean an entire house in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and both have a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable reservoir for water, however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose an item with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed often or have the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home to remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum bot using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things 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 your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuum cleaner vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.