Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
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 a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's a cat or dog you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that 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, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned far less often than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes with your robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will require cleaning regularly. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer 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.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, when using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A number of popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If best home vacuum cleaner fail to complete the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean an entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. Both have a high level of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you want, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price level.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best 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 got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.