Best Robot Vacuum: A Simple Definition

best automatic vacuum cleaner Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify food items, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new device.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning 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 will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats you may have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to see what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an excellent feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.

Aside from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. You should always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good self-cleaning robot vacuums should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive 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 see the list of available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean an entire house in one go.

The typical dust bin on a robot auto vacuum cleaner will need to be emptied every few cleans. 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. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful when you have tiled floors or Vacuum Bot hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can both 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 high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both have a high level of suction, and both come with a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable water reservoir, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select an item with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful in the event that your pet sheds often or have an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.

Most of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in position, or Vacuum Bot a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart robot home voice assistants that control the vacuum bot (Learn Alot more) using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.

There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable choices at any price point.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best self cleaning robot vacuum robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.

Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.