Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed, making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience the new gadget.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many situations, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats it is possible to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's 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 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply aren't able 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 waste, meaning they need to be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In best affordable robot vacuum , the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. Many well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming job, especially if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. 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 is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Certain models 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 bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to the regular features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay more for these features.
You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price point.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.