"The Best Robot Vacuum Awards: The Best, Worst, And Most Bizarre Things We've Seen
Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.
this page are operated by a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation 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 have object-avoidance technologies that can identify pets, toys and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.
Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through 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, such as shoes or lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when an obstacle is missed. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and 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 don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They should be cleaned less often than the dustbin of the robot.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with 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, in the event that it is not 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 keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out periodically. To ensure optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the device performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to see the list of available settings and set them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot by voice. Several well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without having to drag them back there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on 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 even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction, and both have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture however it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.
The majority of our top picks include additional features that reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium 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 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more but there are options to suit every budget.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used 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, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.