Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. Read the Full Posting feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa 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 a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important difference in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned much less frequently than the onboard bin of 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. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, robotic hoovers should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and set them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will continue where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine 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 toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.