Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other particles from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others require physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify toys, pet foods and other debris that 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 slipping in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. 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 can make an important distinction in the performance and comfort of the new gadget.

The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot cleaning machine cleaner won't be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of pets or cats it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.

A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will require cleaning frequently. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to look up the available options. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms, or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning schedules. The best robovac robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire home in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum could save you from a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next vacuuming sessions.

Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional Vacuum bot has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an internal or removable water reservoir, but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum deals for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually 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 basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these premium features.

There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price level.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac or one that has smart 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 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 tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.