Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as 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 also can detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around 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 also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may have to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They should be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.
In addition to reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is important as these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then set them up by zones, rooms or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single 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 lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you want a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you often forget to mop or sweep.
In robot vacuum cleaner for sale to the regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move between furniture and toys 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 vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.