best robovac Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor washing robot maps.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your self-cleaning robot vacuums from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it 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+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every amazon robot vacuum has but it can make an important distinction in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have a cat or dog, you might have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ objects detection to identify what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum bot's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with the robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't expensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. 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. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
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 tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to get rid of liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery 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, however, it has an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum 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, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else, if you want more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top robot vacuum cleaner vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.