Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other particles from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as 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 the robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To ensure optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide 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.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see the available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire home in one go.
best rated robot vacuum of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide 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, and so they may not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable reservoir for water, but it does have 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 a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home to remove them completely.
Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price range.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine 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 equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.