15 Terms Everyone Is In The Best Robot Vacuum Industry Should Know
Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However they leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated by a smartphone application and others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new device.
Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. They are cheaper and do not have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If robot cleaner is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned far less often than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with your robot vacuum.
Self-emptying bases not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.
A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to view the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean an entire home in one move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum could save you from a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you want 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. These two top options are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they may 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. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you often forget to mop or sweep.
Most of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.
Certain models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.
There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, 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. Like most things, if you want more features, it will cost more, but there are options for every budget.
We have the best robotic vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away. 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 is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.
For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. And best robot floor cleaner miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.