Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums excel in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. 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, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive 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 shoes or lamp cords. These robots are cheaper 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 objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they must be cleaned more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes 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, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Apart from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or even individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. Many popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty 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. A self-emptying robot vacuum can save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can 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 choices have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
robot vacuum sale for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or you often forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Some models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options at every price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.