Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. best robot cleaner can detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have pets or cats you may have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included in your robot.
In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one step.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of 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 trash bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can 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 picks have excellent performance and offer great value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, 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 include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
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 instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price range.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.