Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and comfort of your new device.
Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the
best amazon vacuum robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have pets or cats it is possible to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).
The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to determine what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning frequently. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't expensive. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and set them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. Many well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The top robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine 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. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't have 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 is not a vacuum 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 saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our
Top 10 Robot Vacuum cleaner picks also come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a
top robot vacuum-quality object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
Read our guide on
robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.