Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.

Some models are operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also 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 an important difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine what is in the front of them even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They need to be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.

Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with the robot vacuum.

Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out frequently. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The best robot vacuum for the money robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. If you do not remember to complete the task the Robot Vac will start where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and Robot Vac will provide enough time to clean your entire home in one go.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, Robot Vac ensuring that it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.

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

If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a great value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot vacuum cleaners is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or have an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.

In addition to the regular features like suction and rotating brushes, the majority of our top picks include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it reduces the time to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. As with most things, the more features you require, the higher the price but there are reliable choices at any price point.

If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting 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.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.