The Best Robot Vacuums

No matter if you have an area of 3,000 square feet and have three shaggy dogs or a stylish apartment, a robot vacuum is the best option to keep your floors spotless. The top models have self-emptying bases and dock and charge automatically. They also have features such as sensors for cliffs.

If you have carpeting, choose a vacuum cleaner with the highest suction power (measured in Pascals). Virtual barriers and no-go zones permit you to define areas the robot shouldn't enter.

Smart Mapping

A lot of robot vacuums don't come with the ability to map which can be a problem when you're trying to keep your home clean. These budget-friendly vacuums may be stuck on a broad range of obstacles, including cords, furniture legs, and pet toys that have emerged from the sofa cushions.

This is why the most effective robot vacuums with obstacle avoidance utilize multiple sensors and cameras to create a detailed map of the space as they move through your home. They can navigate more efficiently through your home, cleaning in a systematic order and not having to waste time on areas they have already cleaned. It also stops them from getting stuck on items that were moved during a cleaning session, or having to spend time "robot-proofing" your home by getting cords away.

Robot vacuums use a variety of methods of navigation to create these maps which range from the simplest to the latest. Certain models that are budget-friendly utilize infrared sensors, and others utilize optical sensors that measure the time it takes for a reflected signal to reach the robot's backside. This allows the robot to determine its location within the room. Some high-end models, such as the eufy S1 Pro robot, use SLAM navigation, which utilizes the combination of sensors to create an image of the room.

This is the most sophisticated approach, since it not only allows robots to move more efficiently, but also provides an interface that is beneficial for the user. These systems show you a 3D rendering of your home that you can interact with as well as erase virtual boundaries or create restricted zones within the application for the robot to avoid. This kind of mapping can be used in dark areas provided there is a light source close by (like a table lamp) which is bright enough for the robot to see the surroundings.

The most recent robots can create a detailed map of their movements through your home using LiDAR or laser scanning. This isn't as precise as the SLAM system however it can be useful in avoiding obstacles. LiDAR can get tripped up by objects that reflect or absorb the laser beam, like dark-colored floors, which will trigger cliff sensors on the majority of robots, causing them to stop.

Self-Emptying Bins

One of the most appealing features of robot vacuums is their capacity to automatically transfer debris from their onboard dustbins to their docking bases with out any intervention from the user. This means that you don't have to constantly bend down and empty the bin and, in turn, reduces the frequency of maintenance tasks. This is especially crucial if your house is large and you want to reduce the amount of time your hands are spent handling dirt and dust.

It can take as long as seven hours for a robot to be fully charged and ready to go again. This is not ideal for large households or families with busy schedules. Many manufacturers provide the option of pausing the cleaning and then continuing in the same spot where the robot stopped after its battery has been fully charged. This feature is offered on all robots and is a fantastic option if you frequently have to leave home to work or parents of children who are young.

When you are choosing a self-emptying machine be sure to consider whether it employs a bag or an unbagged system to collect debris. Bagged models will stop dust clumps from being released into the air when they are empty. However, you'll have to purchase and replace bags on a regular basis. If you prefer a bagless version, look for models with an intelligent sensor that can monitor the dustbin onboard and alert you when it's time to empty it.

In addition to self-emptying dustbins, the best robotic cleaners also come with cliff sensors as well as docking sensors to stop them from falling over or becoming stuck in the middle of obstacles. They also have advanced AI to improve performance and avoid different types debris.

Most robot vacuums require regular maintenance and attention to keep them working properly. Regular cleaning of the brushes, wheels and side brushes is required to remove pet hairs as well as other debris which can clog and decrease suction power. Make sure to check the level of charge regularly to ensure it is always at its maximum capacity. Batteries that are not fully charged or full will slow the robot down and cause it to operate less efficiently. It is therefore important to monitor its charge regularly.

Pet Hair Detection

In our tests, some robots were very good at picking up pet hair. These included the Roomba Combo 10 Max as well as the SwitchBot. Some, however, weren't so great at it. The cheaper models rely on bump sensors for object avoidance, and they are able to plow into things such as hanging cords and shoelaces (see below). A few of the more expensive vacuum and mop robots we tested have technology for smart mapping and learning to aid in mapping your home and better navigate over time. This feature is particularly useful for those who have carpeted floors and lots of pet hair.

To make the most of these features it is a good idea to perform some regular maintenance. This includes emptying the dust bin cleaning the filters, cleaning other corners and nooks periodically, and wiping down anti-drop and charging sensors. Also, you should make the effort to update the firmware which will help your robot remain in good working order for an extended period of time.

If you have a robot that can mop, be sure you clean the brush and clean it off every now and then. This is important for keeping it from getting tangled up in hair, as well as keeping it in good shape. It's also a good idea to replace the mop pad every six months or so to make sure it's still functioning properly.

Some of the more advanced robots are able to create walls around your home during cleaning, preventing them from venturing into areas that you don't want them entering. You can build virtual walls or boundary stripes with your smartphone. This is particularly useful in the case of dangling cords, wires, or other items that you don't want the robot to cross or get stuck on. If you enable the feature within the app, certain robotic cleaners will warn you when they're about to hit something. This is not a feature all robots offer however it's a good addition to the list.

Remote Control

Robotic vacuum cleaners operate remotely and controlled by apps, voice commands, or traditional remotes. These vacuum cleaners also have automatic self-charging functions as well as scheduling functions, which makes it simple to maintain a clean house without any manual involvement. This feature is perfect for those with weak muscles and mobility, since they don't have to lift heavy furniture to access awkward spaces.

The most effective robotic vacuums are made to work with a variety of floor surfaces and obstacles, adjusting their operation to meet. They typically have sensors that can detect different areas of the room and adjust to suit. This feature allows a robot to automatically change between cleaning methods when switching from carpet, tile, hardwood or other types of flooring.

These machines are a big help in households with busy lifestyles and frequent guests. A robot vac can be programmed to sweep your home even when you're away, and even return to its docking station if it runs low in power. This will relieve you of the stress of having your home soiled and can save you time and money.

If you select a smart-compatible model, it will connect to your WiFI network and connect with your phone. You can use an app to schedule cleaning sessions and check the battery level and look over the history of mapping. You can also use your app to view photos of your living space if your robovac has cameras. This is useful for identifying objects that the robot might have missed during its previous cleaning run like pets or chewed up socks.

Most of the best robots have this type of smart integration. Some are compatible with Google Assistant, which means that you can turn them on by simply giving a command through the smart speaker or display. Certain devices may have difficulty communicating with Google Assistant due to signal strength or proximity. This issue can be fixed by keeping the device up-to-date by reducing the distance between your Wi-Fi router and it or using an extension for Wi-Fi.