Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up 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 with a smartphone app, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food and other items that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet bot cleaner AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and comfort of your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.
The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
If you suffer from allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an option to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of debris. They need to be cleaned less often than the robot's dustbin.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out periodically. To ensure optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, when using an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can then arrange them by zones, rooms or even individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning robots for home schedule and come back to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuum robot vacuums are able to last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their destination, without needing to be 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 the entire house in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum bot needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can also 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 of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to mop or sweep.
Many of our top picks include additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, and slows down to clean them thoroughly.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech 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 cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.
