Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have pets or cats, you might have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ objects detection to identify what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They should be emptied less often than the robot's dustbin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot to see a list of available settings. You can set them up by zones, rooms or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Several popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large home or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able to tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. best robot floor cleaner and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.