20 Fun Facts About Best Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums are great at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect food items, toys and other debris that could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to determine what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be emptying less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for an instruction manual that contains tips on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot to see a list of available options. You can set them up by zones, rooms or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the 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 with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one move.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dust bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to take on your entire house on one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed often or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks have additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, automatic vacuum cleaner 'll have to pay a premium for these features.
Robot vacuums are available at various prices, 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. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.