Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuum cleaner quiet vacuums can get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier using the app.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here use objects detection to identify what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, 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 save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning periodically. To ensure optimal performance, you should always use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap robot vacuum cleaner. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. 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 by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuum Cleaner price (sovren.media) vacuums can save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart robot home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price point.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.