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 debris on baseboards and furniture.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck in the couch or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be able to lift 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 may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to see what is in the 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 detect up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the model. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Many popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean the entire house in one go.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about 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 an excellent value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an internal or removable water reservoir but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. robot vacuum cleaner sale that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often or have the norm to not clean up and mop.
Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set 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 recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move 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 cleanings and remotely control the vac.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.