Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other debris that could get in the 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 the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use 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 detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they must be cleaned more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. 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 it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, url should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot to see a list of available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Many popular brands let you 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 at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them 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 machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer great value. They both have a good suction level and come with a big self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you often forget to mop or sweep.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in position as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.