Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here use object detection to determine what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.
Apart from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking robot vacuum cleaner on sale rating the stronger the vacuum.
A quality robot should include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot, to look up the available settings. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or 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 charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both top-quality and provide great value. Both models come with a high degree of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to take on your entire home on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not come with 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 mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't 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 save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more however, there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. 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 get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.