Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can 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 could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also 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 need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days of dust. They should be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. 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. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and both come with a large self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require daily maintenance. However, some 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. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.
In addition to the regular features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home to remove them completely.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum bot.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.