Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel in removing pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some include 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 cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however they can become entangled with objects that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you may have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the area in front 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 in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not with the robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. 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 settings. You can then set them up in rooms, zones, or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot by voice. Many well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire house in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
Whether best affordable robot vacuum need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.