Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. robotic vacuum cleaner best lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If it's pets or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to determine what is in their path even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles with 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 every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of dust. They need to be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have 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 comes with your robot vacuum.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and then set them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to finish the task, 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 are able to last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home in one 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 but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms 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 the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine 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 wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.