The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physically operated remotes. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its 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 lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in many situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If it's a cat or dog, you might have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).
The advanced robotic vacuums listed below use object detection to determine what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They must be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and Robotvacuummops.com i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning regularly. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or even individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to finish 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 or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they get to their base without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire apartment in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could 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 the next cleaning session.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed a lot or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, and slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay more for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.
