Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others rely on a physical remote for operation. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.

Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If it's a cat or dog you may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).

The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use objects detection to identify what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they should be emptied far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes with the robot vacuum.

Aside from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't expensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

robot vacuum sale vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households, and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature lets the automatic vacuum empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. Both models come with a high degree of suction and come with a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to take on the entire house cleaning robot on a single battery charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose an item that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.

Many of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in position, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots in your home so it can clean them thoroughly.

Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.

Robot vacuums are available at different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you require, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price point.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.