Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition
Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuum cleaner sale vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated by a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as 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 detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot floor cleaner cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days of debris. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning periodically. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will help you learn about 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. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can set them up by zones, rooms or even individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The top robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire home in one move.
The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.
If you want a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable reservoir for water, but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface Intelligent Vacuum Cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum deals that has 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 timer 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 house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these premium features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwoods and carpets. As with most things the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options at every price level.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, 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 is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.