Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get caught up in the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.

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 lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many scenarios however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.

Even the best cheap robot vacuum robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might have to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.

The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They must be emptying less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.

Aside from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the model. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able if you are using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you don't finish the task, the robot will pick up where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Self-cleaning robot Vacuums vacuums may not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean your entire apartment in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner best vacuum can save you from a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.

The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more 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're looking for a machine that can vacuum deals and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with an automatic floor cleaners bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.

In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.

Robot vacuums are available in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwoods and carpets. Like most things, the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price level.

We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.