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 baseboards and furniture.
Some models are operated using a smartphone app and others require physical remotes. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can help you save time cleaning by preventing your robot from being stuck in the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.
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 an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords 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 objects out.
Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. 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 conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
If you suffer from allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be emptying less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes with your robot vacuum.
Apart from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out frequently. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
best budget robot vacuum should also come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire house in one move.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide great value. They both have a decent suction level and come with a large self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.
In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Some models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more but there are options for everyone's budget.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.