Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require physical remotes. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new appliance.

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 lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. The robot cleaner won't 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 a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier using the app.

The advanced robotic vacuums listed below use object detection to determine what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of dust. They need to be emptying less frequently than the robot's dustbin.

This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it is included in the amazon robot vacuum.

Apart from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning robots, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is another factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the intelligent vacuum cleaner.

Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see the list of available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The top robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will continue where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they reach their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire home in one move.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a machine that can both vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and they come with a large self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and so they may 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 does not come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of times you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.

In addition to standard features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top robot vacuum cleaner picks come with additional features that will cut down the time needed to clean. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.

Some 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 get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these premium features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options at every price point.

Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's got wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic vacuum cleaner deals mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.