Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others require a physical remote for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify food items, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and do not have the ability to recognize 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 may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to determine what is in their path even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin 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 more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as 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, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.
In addition to reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain best rated robot vacuum is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up in rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will continue where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as the larger 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 battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one step.
best rated robot vacuum on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming job, especially 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 where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a good suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, so they may not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't 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 and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors looking 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. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep 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 comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with 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 advanced features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move 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 and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.