Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel in removing pet hair, dust and other particles from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in 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 a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of use of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle 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 could get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to determine what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Depending on robot vacuum cleaner sale come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. 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 user manual can help you learn the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or even individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they get to their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work 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. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. Like most things, the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable choices at any price range.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on 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 arrives on time.