"The Best Robot Vacuum Awards: The Top, Worst, Or The Most Unlikely Things We've Seen
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. robot vacuum deals can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its cleanup 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 the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and convenience your new appliance.
Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chair legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a dog or cat, you may have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them 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 under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Aside from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also 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 periodically, depending on the model. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few popular brands also let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleanings. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with liquid spills.
If you want a robot 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 have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't be able to complete your entire home in one charge.
Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often or have an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which includes a mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.
You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable options at every price range.
We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your delivery for the holidays is on time.