Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, 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 most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in a variety of situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If you have pets or cats it is possible to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they must be cleaned more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's 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 clean. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able if you are using 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 floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. Several popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
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 a long time on a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they get to their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If Suggested Looking at looking for a machine that can vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both have a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require regular maintenance. There are some models that 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'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often, or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms 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 understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.