Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting 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 dog or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's 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 with your robot.
A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot with a voice. Several well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features, it will cost more, but there are options for every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you're away. 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 equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.