Do Not Make This Blunder On Your Best Robot Vacuum
Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vac uums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect food items, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.
The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close like 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 digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs 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 can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).
The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Basses
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They should be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.
This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.
Aside from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can set them up in rooms, zones, or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire home in one go.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't 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 mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on 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 water reservoir 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 furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.
In addition to the basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these features.
Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you require, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price level.
Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.