Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify food items, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios, 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 an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or 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 option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including iRobot's 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.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out frequently. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine'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 manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital as 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 see the list of available settings and then set them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
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 instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
robot vacuum cleaner cheap let you set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these features.
There are robot robot vacuum cleaner cheap that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options for every price point.
If you're looking for 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 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.