Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require a physical remote. 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 allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify toys, pet foods and other items that could block the path of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot vacuum cleaner top 10 has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well in a variety of situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large, the robotic vacuum cleaner deals cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to determine what is in front of them even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They should be emptied less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also have features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor washing robot surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot with a voice. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one go.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuum can help you avoid a lot of 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.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum bot has and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base 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.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots in your home to remove them completely.
Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate 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 but you'll have to pay for these advanced features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the top 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 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best automatic vacuum robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.