Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot cleaner robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch 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 also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could significantly improve the performance and ease of your new gadget.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them 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 lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones within your house cleaning robot for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ objects detection to identify what is in their path 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 identify up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes with the robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot cleaner commercial is an additional factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can set them up by zones, rooms, or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot using voice. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots let you 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 left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean the entire home in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide great value. Both come with a high degree of suction, and they come with a huge, 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 cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S is not a vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item that has a self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed often or have the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In addition to standard features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, if you want more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects 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 plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.