The top robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn’t a feature every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what’s in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or don’t have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they need to be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark’s AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You’ll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it’s included with the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device’s performance. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren’t cheap. You should look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able when using a mobile application to control the robot, to look up the available options. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery’s lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire house in one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don’t usually have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle your entire home with a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn’t equipped with a built-in or removable water reservoir however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can’t vacuum stairs or furniture but it’s a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is simple to attach and stays in place, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you’ll need to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price range.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum deals or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you’re away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture 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 vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot cleaner robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.