Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other items that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. 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 flooring with sludge. If it's a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They need to be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have 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 except if it's included with your robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out frequently. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. 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 then arrange them in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Many popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean the 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 difficult task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use to ensure 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 your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds often or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider robotic hoovers -surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are offered in a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things the more features you'd like the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price range.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, 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 equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.