Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from hard floors and carpets. However they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physical remotes. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect food items, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. robot vacuum deals can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
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 X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether 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 devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They must be cleaned less often than the dustbin on the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot 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's included with the robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might require cleaning regularly. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a machine that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, so they might not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.