Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled by a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and automatic floor cleaners maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot cleaner from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its assigned room cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet bot cleaner AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience of your new appliance.

Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well in many situations, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.

This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.

In addition to reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might require cleaning regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. Generally speaking the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must have features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential because these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. You should be able, when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or even individual floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Many popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuum deals vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without you having to escort them back there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire apartment in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied every few cleans. This is a tedious task, particularly if 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 can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a machine that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both robots are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able to take on your entire house on a single battery charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable reservoir for water, robot cleaner but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still a great choice for keeping 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 some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.

Many of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles, but you'll have to pay more for these advanced features.

Robot vacuums are offered in different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features, it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.

Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart vacuum cleaner-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's equipped with wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.