Best Robot Vacuums

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

Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.

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 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 an important distinction in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in many situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).

The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days of dust. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.

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

A self-emptying base will not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

A good robot should also include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or even individual floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean your entire apartment in one step.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuum price vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large home or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you want a robot that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and doesn't 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 floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.

Many of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, robotic vacuums which is why it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.

Some models allow you to set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you want, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price level.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal buy robot vacuum cleaner vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected 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, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.