The Best Robot Vacuums

A robot vacuum is a fantastic option to keep your floors tidy regardless of whether you live in a home that is 3,000 square feet with three dogs or have a chic apartment. The best models come with self-emptying bases, docks and charge automatically. They also have features like cliff sensors.

If you have carpet, look for a model with a high suction power measured in Pascal (Pa). You can establish no-go zones or virtual barriers to prevent the robot from entering certain areas.

Smart Mapping

A lot of robot vacuums aren't equipped with maps which can be a problem when you're trying get your home spotless. These budget-friendly vacuums can be stuck on a broad variety of obstacles, including cords, furniture legs and pet toys that have emerged from under sofa cushions.

The best robot vacuums that avoid obstacles utilize multiple cameras and sensors in order to create a precise room map while they move around your home. This lets them navigate your rooms more efficiently by regularly cleaning in a systematic pattern and not spending time revisiting areas it already cleaned. It also prevents them from getting stuck on items that were moved during a cleaning session, or having to spend extra time "robot-proofing" your home by keeping cords out of their way.

Robot vacuums use various navigation methods that range from the simplest up to the most advanced. Infrared sensors are employed in some budget models as well as others that use optical sensors that emit a beam of light and tracks the time it takes for the reflection of the light to reach its backside, which helps the robot figure out its location within the room. Certain models that are high-end, such as the Eufy S1 Pro robot, use SLAM navigation, which makes use of a combination of sensors to construct a room map.

This approach is the most advanced as it doesn't just allow the robot to move more efficiently it also offers an efficient interface for the user. These systems show a 3D rendering with which you can interact with, and also create virtual boundaries or zones that are restricted to the robot. This kind of mapping can work in dark areas, as long as you have a source of light nearby (like an electric lamp) that is able to illuminate the room sufficiently for the robot to see the surroundings.

The most recent robots that make use of LiDAR, also known as laser scanning, are able to build a detailed map of your home as it moves around the rooms. It's not as accurate as a SLAM but it's still useful for getting around obstacles. LiDAR can get tripped up by objects that reflect or absorb the laser beam, such as dark-colored floors. This will trigger cliff sensors on most robots and cause them stop.

Self-Emptying Bins

One of the most appealing advantages of robot vacuums is their ability to automatically transfer debris from their onboard dustbins to their docking bases, without any input from the user. This removes the requirement for the user to bend down and empty their bins, thereby reducing the frequency at which maintenance tasks are performed. This is particularly important if you own an extensive home and wish to cut down on the amount of time your hands spend handling dirt and dust.

However, a robot that has been fully emptied will take up to 7 hours to recharge and return to cleaning, which may not be ideal for large or busy families. To avoid this issue, most manufacturers offer the option of pause and then resume cleaning where the robot stopped once its battery is charged. This feature is offered on all robots and is a great option if you frequently have to leave your home for work or parents of children who are young.

When choosing a self-emptying robot be sure to consider whether it employs bags or a bagless system to collect debris. Bagged models can prevent dust clumps of debris from being released into the air once they are emptied. However, you'll have to purchase and replace the bags on a regular basis. If you'd prefer a bagless model, search for models with an intelligent sensor that can monitor the dust bin and inform you when it's time to empty it.

The top robotic cleaners come with docking sensors and cliff sensors in addition to the self-emptying bins that prevent them from getting stuck or falling over obstacles. They also have advanced artificial intelligence to boost performance and eliminate different kinds of debris.

To ensure that they function properly the majority of robot vacuums require regular maintenance. This includes regular cleaning of the brushroll, side brushes, and wheels to eliminate pet hair and other debris that can block them and reduce suction power. Make sure to check the level of charge regularly to ensure that it's always operating at its peak capacity. A battery that is not fully charged can slow down the robot and cause it to perform less efficiently, so it's important to monitor its charge on a regular basis.

Pet Hair Detection

In our tests, we found that certain robots were very good at picking up pet hair. These included the Roomba Combo 10 Max as well as the SwitchBot. Other models however, were not as good at it. Often these cheaper models rely on bump sensors to aid in object avoidance and plow right into things like hanging shoelaces and cords (see below). Some of the more expensive mop and vacuum robots we tested feature advanced mapping capabilities and learning capabilities to help them map and navigate your home more efficiently over time. This feature is particularly useful for those with carpeted flooring and a lot pet hair.

It's important to perform regular maintenance to maximize these features. This could involve emptying your dust bin and cleaning filters as well as other places and wiping down anti-drop and charging sensors. Update the firmware to ensure that your robot is working well.

If you have a robot that has the ability to mop, make sure to clean the brush and clean it off every now and then. It's important to keep it clean and in good condition. It's also a good idea to replace the mop pad every six months or so to ensure it's still functioning properly.

Some of the more advanced robots are able to wall off areas of your home during cleaning, preventing them from venturing into areas that you don't want them entering. Using your smartphone, you can set up these virtual walls or boundary strips. This is especially helpful for those with hanging cords, wires and other items you don't want your robot to get stuck or get into. Some robotic cleaners can even warn you of things they're about to hit, in the event that you allow this feature in the app. This isn't a feature all robots provide however it's a good addition to the list.

Remote Control

Robotic vacuum cleaners operate remotely and are controlled by apps, voice commands or traditional remotes. They also come with automatic self-charging functions as well as scheduling features that makes it simple to maintain a clean house without any manual intervention. This feature is ideal for those who have limited strength and mobility, as they don't have to lift heavy furniture to reach awkward spaces.

The most effective robotic vacuums adapt their operation to a wide range of flooring surfaces, obstacles and other elements. Smart sensors are often used in these vacuums that detect different surfaces and adjust their operations accordingly. This feature lets a robot automatically switch between cleaning methods when switching from tile, carpet hardwood, or other types of flooring.

These intelligent machines can be beneficial to families who have a hectic schedule and guests who are frequently present. Robot vacuums can be programmed to clean while you are away, and they can also return to their docking station when the power goes out. This will save you money and time by avoiding the stress of cleaning your home.

If you choose a smart-compatible model it will connect to your WiFI network and communicate with your phone. This allows you to manage the device via an app, schedule cleaning sessions, and check on the status of your battery and map history. You can also use the app to see images of your home when your robot has cameras. This is useful for identifying objects that the robot might have missed during its previous cleaning run like pet toys or chewed up socks.

The majority of the top robots come with this smart integration. Certain robots are compatible with Google Assistant. This means that you can turn them on simply by dictating a command through a smart speaker. Some devices may have trouble communicating with Google Assistant due to signal strength or proximity. Making sure the device is updated and reducing the distance between it and your Wi-Fi router, or even thinking about a Wi-Fi extender can resolve this issue.