Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify food items, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make an important distinction in the performance and comfort of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may 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 most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in low and optimal light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

Whether you have allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days of debris. They should be cleaned less often than the dustbin of the robot.

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

Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, Vacuum Bot depending on the manufacturer. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot by voice. A few of the top brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They can 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's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean an entire home in one step.

The average dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. They both have a good suction level and come with a huge self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds often or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.

In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface Vacuum Bot with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models let you set a automatic cleaning robot schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, the more features you require the more expensive but there are reliable options for every price range.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.