Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
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 maps. This lets them 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 an important difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. 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 latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ objects detection to identify what is in front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the brand. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer 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 quality robot should include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides tips on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can set them up by zones, rooms or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they reach their base without having to drag them back there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire house in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. robotic vacuum cleaners is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to take on the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features, it will cost more but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one that has smart 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 WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.