The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some include 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 allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room 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 a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They also can detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and comfort of the new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have dogs or cats it is possible to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to see what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes 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 on your own, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. In general the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also charge 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 most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.
The average dust bin on a robot Vacuum Bot will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between 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're looking for a machine that can both vacuum and mop, 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 great value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require constant maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price range.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more information on how to choose 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 to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.
