Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

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 lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout 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 ability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have pets or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the app).

The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they should be emptied more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

This feature is available 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 purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.

In addition to cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can set them up by zones, rooms or even individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one go.

The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum bot cleaner (Check This Out) will help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a machine that can both 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 offer excellent performance and great value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction and have a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.

Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in the right place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.

Certain models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum bot with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these features.

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that 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, it will cost more but there are options for every budget.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.