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. However, they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the more 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 can also detect changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make an important distinction in the performance and convenience your new appliance.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamps or 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 within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large pet poop or chair legs. The bagless robot vacuum cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier within the application.

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to determine 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 up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They need to be emptying less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.

Many of the top-rated robotic floor scrubber vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.

Aside from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap robot vacuum. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able view a list of all available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot by voice. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you forget to finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can 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, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer great 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 capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture, robot vacuum but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds often, or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.

Most of our top picks have additional features that help reduce cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in position as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price range.

We have the best automatic vacuum cleaner robot vacuums for you, whether you need a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, 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 advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.