Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind the bed.
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 maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see 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 can identify more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to 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, such as iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes with the robot vacuum.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning regularly. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is important as these machines aren't expensive. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see the available settings and set them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. robotic vacuum cleaner on sale let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean your entire home in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when 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 self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.
If you're looking for a robot that can also 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 picks have excellent performance and offer great value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir, however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. However, some 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 empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, so it can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are offered in various prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more however, there are options for every budget.
We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a a basic bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.