Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get 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 which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view a list of all available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Many popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean the entire house in one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a machine 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 options are both high-quality and offer excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In robotic hoovers to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more however, there are options to suit every budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we have 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-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.