Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of 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 appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you might have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
Several 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 need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used 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.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. 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 by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robotic vacuum cleaner sale do not typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can both 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 choices are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with 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 mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these 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 Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get 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 as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.