Best Robot Vacuums
The
best robot hoover robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference to the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper 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 most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs 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 it's a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they need to be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.
Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning frequently. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale that is used 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 more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for the manual that provides instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will start where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on the robot
automatic vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a large, self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they might not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks include additional features that help reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things the more features you want the more expensive but there are reliable options for every price point.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot
Vacuum Bot for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the
best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to
robotic vacuum cleaner mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.