Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Some models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robovac robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot Cleaner (Chessdatabase.Science) AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This allows them to 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 every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to see what is in the front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.

Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the manufacturer. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able in the event that you use 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 flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot broom using voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuum cleaner top 10 vacuums are able to last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they reach their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean the entire home in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you from a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you'll need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop and sweep.

In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are available at different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop both hardwoods and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more however, there are options for every budget.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture 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 vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic floor vacuums mops and our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.