Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in many situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ objects detection to identify what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. robotic vacuum cleaners can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some provide 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.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view the list of available settings and set them by rooms, zones or 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 make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one move.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to take on your entire home on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. Like most things, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.