Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however 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 most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify food items, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as if 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 the new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as 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 with the robot.
Apart from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will require cleaning frequently. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general, the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Many well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will continue where it began.
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. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached 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 give you enough time to tidy your entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. self cleaning vacuum is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. Both have a high level of suction, and they come with a huge, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand your home's layout and navigate around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price point.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.