Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys and other debris that 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 being stuck in the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its 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 a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in a variety of situations, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the brand. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important since these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. robotic vacuum cleaner best can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will save you a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial 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 traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a good suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.
Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things the more features you'd like the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a 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 an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.