Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.

Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).

The more advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of debris. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.

This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum Bot.

A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may require cleaning regularly. To maintain optimal performance, you should always use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you a sense of how the device performs. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The top robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean your entire home in one move.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can help you avoid a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.

The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

If you want a robot that can vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and they come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, so they might not be able to tackle your entire house on one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.

In addition to the standard features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

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

You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.

We have the top 10 robot vacuum cleaner robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robovac robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuum cleaner vacs. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.