Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the sofa or behind a bed.
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 allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a cat or dog you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of trash. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several 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 is included in the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out a manual that includes tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire house in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful 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 level of suction that traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide excellent 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, though, so they might not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For automatic vacuum cleaner , choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable options for every price point.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. best automatic vacuum and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works 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, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.