Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

Best Robot Vacuums

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

Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require a physical remote vacuum. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the couch or behind the bed.

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

A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. They are also less expensive and do not have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin 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 must be emptying less often than the robot's dustbin.

This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included with your robot.

Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to see a list of available settings. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. 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 best robot hoover vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one go.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you 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 vacuum empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

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 have excellent performance and offer great value. They both have a good suction level and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they might not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop and sweep.

In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in position or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home to remove them completely.

Some models allow you to create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things the more features you want, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price level.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture 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 information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic vacuum cleaner amazon mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.