Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled using apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new appliance.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.
Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's pets or cats, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The latest robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to determine what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be emptying less often than the robot's dustbin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's with the robot vacuum.
Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the Vacuum bot.
A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. Many popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. Then, if you forget to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire home in one step.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot vacuum near me that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, however, 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. This inexpensive model does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your automatic floor vacuum. The 11S is not a vacuum for stairs or furniture but 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 do require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful when 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 help reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.
Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay more for these premium features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable options for every price range.
We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which 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 phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.
