no other products I've tested it to go as fast as a simple robot vacuum. Just a few years ago, they were mostly annoying, overpriced devices that fell down stairs and got stuck on rugs. Now the best robot vacuums in every price category pack an incredible array of features, including self-emptying compartments, mop cleaning, and more.
Cleaning a dynamic environment is like a changing house. a complex taskAnd No robot vacuum is perfectHowever, I have a two-story family home with elementary-school aged children and two active dogs, and as a working parent, I find a robot vacuum indispensable. Whether you're feeling suffocated by cat hair, need to lighten your workload, or want to spend more time with your family, we have a robot vac that will help.
Check out our other cleaning guides like best dyson vacuums, best carpet cleaner, best cordless vacuumAnd best air purifierwe also have guides How to set up your smart home And How to get the most out of (and in) your robot vacuum,
UPDATE November 2024: We've updated the information for the Roborock Qrevo Curve, removed the TP-Link Tapo RV30C Plus, and added the Eureka J15 Ultra.
Power up with unlimited access wired, Get best-in-class reporting for just $1 per month for 1 year that's too important to ignore. This includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe today,
Which navigation system do I use?
Robot vacuum manufacturers will try to tell you that the most important specification is the level of suction. That's wrong—it's the navigation system. It doesn't matter how good the vacuum is at cleaning if it gets stuck every time it starts. A more complex or expensive navigation system doesn't guarantee that it won't get stuck, but it's a good starting point. Multiple vacuums also connect the system.
- Sensor Mapping: The cheapest vacuums use a combination of sensors on the exterior of the vacuum, like a cliff detector on the bottom and a wall detector on the bumper, to ping-pong around your house to avoid obstacles.
- Gyroscope: It is an economical but surprisingly effective method of mapping that has been used on ships for centuries. A rotating wheel or light helps the vacuum determine its position relative to other objects in your home.
- Lidar: Lidar means “light detection and ranging.” uses vacuum pulsed laser To determine how far away each object is.
- Camera Navigation: There is a camera on it. Basically, the vacuum has little eyes that look around. Although I have found this system to be extremely accurate and/or unintentionally hilarious, you should look for additional safety protocols to ensure that the aforementioned hilarious photos of your home Don't end up on the internet,
- Slam: With SLAM navigation, or “simultaneous localization and mapping”, the vacuum uses algorithms to process a set of data – for example, camera or sensor data as well as a calculation of how many times the wheels have turned. To know where and how far it should go. It is typically used in combination with some or all of these other navigation techniques.
- machine learning: Many robot vacuum manufacturers now promote their proprietary mapping systems. For example, iRobot Imprint uses a system called smart mapping that learns while it's cleaning, as does Roborock's SmartPlane. These also usually come in combination with cameras or lasers.
Robot vacuums have a complex function. Your home is always changing, and no robot vacuum will be perfect. We have some starting points here, but if you're still having trouble, you should check out our guide Getting the Most Out of Your Robot Vacuum,
- Stay at home for the first few runs of your robot vacuum. Many homes have hot spots – a wonky door jam, a lumpy rug – where you'll need to save your free space. Do a quick run-through of things you'll need in advance for robot booby traps like ribbon, charging cables, and pieces of string.
- Check your Wi-Fi. If you have a Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuum, most of them can only connect For 2.4-GHz wireless bandIf you're having trouble connecting, make sure you're linking to the correct band. Check out our guide to Setting up your smart home For more tips.
- Vacant spaces require maintenance. Like every robot—especially one that comes in contact with the dirtiest parts of your home—you need to care for it regularly. Error messages may prompt you to empty the trash can every now and then, trim hair from the rollers, or wipe the cliff sensor. Instruction manual and youtube can help.
- Vacuum during the day. If you have the option, it's usually better to set a run time for 2 a.m. rather than midnight, as many vacuums also use optical sensors to navigate.
- Do not throw out your hand vacuum. I hate to disappoint, but you'll probably still need it full size manual vacuum Once upon a time. i keep a dyson For quick spot cleaning and vacuuming bedroom corners.
- Beware of disposable bags: Some vacuums suck the dust into a disposable bag. Instead of throwing the trash out and collecting dust everywhere, you simply throw the bag out neatly and replace it. Unfortunately, some companies stop selling these bags altogether (looking at you, TP-Link), leaving you with a functioning robot vacuum that can't suck up any dust. Try to get information about how long such parts will be available.
Each Wired Gear tester installs the vacuum in your home, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and in one location. Clear Wi-Fi signalOver the course of two weeks, we ran the vacuum every day, checking several factors: battery life; how well the app works; Is the map accurate; If it constantly cleans around the edges of your home; And how well it picks up dirt of various sizes, including sand, lint, dog hair, Cheerios, wood chips, and flour.
We also look for mitigating factors, like whether it's incredibly loud or ugly, or whether it fits perfectly into your kitchen. For a vacuum to be useful, you have to use it and own it. We also note the vacuum power through the manufacturer's stated Pa, or pascal-The higher the number, the greater the suction.