Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply 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. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on check these guys out comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to see a list of available settings. You can set them up in rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean the entire home in one go.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide great value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't 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 equipped with an internal or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum 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 saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
Many of our top picks include additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.