Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify food items, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might have 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 utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may require cleaning regularly. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on 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 dustbin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide great value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to take on the entire house on a single battery 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 does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. smart vacuum cleaner is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you often forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks also have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive but there are reliable 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 intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.