Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent 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 by an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not only save you time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there is no standard 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 reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to see a list of available settings. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. Many popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. best automatic vacuum cleaner is a tedious task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to tackle your entire house on one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
Many of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features, it will cost more but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings 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 for the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.