Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are excellent at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of debris 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 like LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect pets, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create an image of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.

The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.

Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works under low and optimal lighting conditions to detect what's in front of them. 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.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases are beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They should be emptying less often than the dustbin of the robot.

Several top-rated robotic floor scrubber 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 have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's included with the robot vacuum.

Apart from decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out periodically. It is recommended to use the best robot vacuum cleaner manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

The suction power of a robot is an additional aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the robot's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't expensive. It is recommended to look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and set them by zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot by voice. Many well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best self cleaning robot vacuum robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.

Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and both come with a large self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, and so they may not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select an item with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often or have the norm to not clean up and mop.

In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also include extra features that can 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 stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and use smart robot vacuums home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, however, you'll need to pay for these features.

robot cleaner vacuums are offered in different prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you want, the higher the price but there are reliable options for every price range.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will 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 smartphone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.