Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make a huge difference in the performance and ease of use of your new device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in many situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might have to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuum cleaner on sale vacuums listed here use object detection that works in low and optimal light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is offered on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Apart from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning frequently. To ensure that your base is operating at its best smart vacuum it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important because these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out a manual that includes instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up by zones, rooms, or individual floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
robot vacuum cleaner industrial vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one step.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you're looking for 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 of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your automatic floor cleaner. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
The majority of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum Bot with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning, 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 which can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best vacuums robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.