Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming 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 an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to learn when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to see what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Apart from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, robot vacuum deals should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can set them up in rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it started.
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. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire home in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire home on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
self cleaning vacuum are offered in various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting 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 tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.