Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleaning 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 lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece 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 device.
The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. The
robotic floor scrubber cleaner will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have dogs or cats it is possible to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they must be cleaned much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.
A number of top-rated
robotic floor scrubber vacuums come with this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.
In addition to reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out frequently. To maintain optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is important since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The
best vacuums bagless Robot Vacuum vacuums are able to run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean your entire home in one go.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could save you from a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir, however, it does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Fortunately, 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 during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial if your pets shed a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
Many of our top picks include additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction.