Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make an important difference in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to determine what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They must be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see a list of all available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot by voice. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they reach their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one step.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction, and both have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to take on your entire home with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, robotic vacuum cleaner on sale has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you often forget to mop and sweep.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, if you want more features, it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry 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 become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.