Best Robot Vacuums

The Best Robot vacuum under 200 robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.

Some models are operated via a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to detect pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map 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 that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new appliance.

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

Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room cleaning robot. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route by using a furniture or box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier within the app.

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here employ objects detection to identify what is in their path even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they should be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the bagless robot vacuum.

This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, except if it's with the robot automatic vacuum cleaners.

Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some 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 machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The top robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean the entire home in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleanings. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and 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 mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to remove liquid spills.

If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and an excellent value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with a built-in or removable water reservoir but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often, or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.

In addition to basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home to remove them completely.

Some models allow you to 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. Some have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, if you want more features it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.

We have the top robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for Best Robot Vacuum Under 200 the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.