Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are excellent in removing pet hair, dust and other messes from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps 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 toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed and which allows 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 lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and comfort of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up in larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets 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 set up in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They should be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
In addition to decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may require cleaning frequently. To ensure that automatic vacuum is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is important since these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire house in one go.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide great value. Both models have a high level of suction, and both come with a huge, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle the entire house with 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 has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, which is why it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which 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 everyone's budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.