Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other items 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 trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot vacuum cleaners is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ objects detection to identify what is in front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They need to be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and 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 you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for the manual that provides instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same 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 on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a large, self vacuum-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore, they may not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum Bot designed for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay for these features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price range.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule automated cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.