Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app, while others require physically operated remotes. best robot cleaner include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect pets, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room cleaning 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 a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. These robots are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you may have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the app.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days of debris. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not with the robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. 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 higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot using voice. Several well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you a amount of stress. 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 the next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to take on your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent option 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 also require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you often forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with 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 premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. As with most things the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.
We have the best robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.