Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect food items, toys and other debris that could get in the way of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
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 allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robotic cleaner will not 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 a dog or cat, you may need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. 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 in optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of debris. They should be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums robot but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional Vacuum Bot and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about 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 models come with a high degree of suction, and both 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 to tackle the entire house on a single battery 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 does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in position, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and automated vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price point.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting 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 information on how to choose the best robot vacuum black friday robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.