Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog you may have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. self cleaning vacuum can hold between 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they must be cleaned much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.
In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you 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 can capture allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able to view the list of available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A few of the top 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. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean an entire house in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and both come with a huge, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots so 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 model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in position as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available at a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you'd like, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price level.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.