Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of 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, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly flooring with sludge. In the case of dogs or cats, you might have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time 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 debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
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. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is important because these machines aren't expensive. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms, or individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without you having to escort them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire house in one go.
The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. best affordable robot vacuum allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide great value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not 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 floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things, if you want more features, it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible 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 our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.