Best Robot Vacuums
The top 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.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require a physical remote for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. robotic hoovers are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ objects detection to identify what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included in the robot.
In addition to reducing 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 clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written user manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is important since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able in the event that you use an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to look up the available options. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire home in one move.
The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home on a single battery 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. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.
If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.