Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming 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+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included with your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the device performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important since these machines aren't inexpensive. robot cleaner should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or flooring surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Many popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If Check This Out forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire home in one go.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a huge self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't 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 isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule 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. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with everything else, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options for every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at 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 to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.