Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords 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 to keep out certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may 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 set up within the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ object detection to see what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.
Self-emptying bases not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up by zones, rooms or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean an entire home in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a good suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an internal or removable water reservoir, however, it has an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
Most of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
auto vacuum cleaner allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.