Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the sofa or behind a 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 an image of your home. 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 something that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive 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, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. 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 dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They need to be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes 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's included with the robot.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning regularly. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a Robot Vacuum Mops has. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should include features that are simple to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they get to their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire house in one step.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however 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 do require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price level.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.