Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

best robot vacuum for tile floors Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could significantly improve the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.

Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and do not have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, 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 beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot remote vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they should be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.

This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's included with your robot vacuum.

Aside from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the automatic vacuum cleaners.

A good robot should also include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you do not remember 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 fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire home in one move.

The average dust bin on a robot remote vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and both come with a huge self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, however, 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. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum Bot furniture or stairs however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has an automatic hoover robot bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop or sweep.

In addition to basic features such as a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.

Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.

Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.