Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition
Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient self-cleaning robot vacuums vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting 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+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog it is possible to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to see what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They must be emptying less often than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. To ensure optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating the stronger 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 understand. A well-written guide can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to see a list of available options. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you from a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and excellent value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, and so they may not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot, or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in position, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to create a cleaning robots for home schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart vacuum homes to control the Vacuum bot using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more, but there are options for every budget.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.