Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify pets, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout 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 lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If it's pets or cats, you might have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here use object detection to determine what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied 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.
In addition to cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see the available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The top robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction and have a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect 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 also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable options for every price range.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vac uum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.