Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its cleanup 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 allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make an important difference in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. best automatic vacuum will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters 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. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If robot vacuum cleaner best using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will continue where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed often or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more however, there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting 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 keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.