Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other particles from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could block the path of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind a bed.
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 precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. Several well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean the entire home in one go.
best rated robot vacuum of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction and have a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.