Best Robot Vacuums

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

Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and comfort of your new device.

Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's a cat or dog it is possible to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).

The latest robotic vacuums mentioned below use object detection to see what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in your robot.

Self-emptying bases not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to see the list of available settings and then set them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot with a voice. Many popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The best Self cleaning robot vacuum robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you fail to complete the task the robot will start where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without having to drag them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.

The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.

Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to take on 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 have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, select one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop or sweep.

In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well or a auto vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house cleaning robot and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.

There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best home vacuum cleaner robotic vacs. Be sure to review our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.