Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room 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 lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of pets or cats it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here use objects detection to identify what is in their path even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general, the greater the Pa rating the stronger 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 guide will help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot using voice. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although 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. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they get to their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean your entire house in one go.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to tackle the entire house 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, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and 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 fantastic to save time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
Many of our top picks have additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with self cleaning vacuum , the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price level.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.