Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require a physical remote. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it 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 maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large pet poop or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have dogs or cats you may have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. robotic vacuum cleaner on sale can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to view the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will continue where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean an 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 difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is prepared for its 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 for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer great value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed a lot or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.