Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums excel at picking up pet hair, dust and other particles from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that detect toys, pet foods and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the couch or behind a bed.

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

Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are able to work in many situations, but they can easily get hung up on items that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection to see what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they must be cleaned much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI robot vacuum hoover, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.

In addition to cutting down on the 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. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, but they may require cleaning periodically. To maintain optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the robot performs. Generally speaking the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. You should be able in the event that you use an application on mobile, to control the robot to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and return to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task the robot will start where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your whole apartment on one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums could save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even wash and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.

If you're looking for a robot that can 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 excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire house on one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, best robot vacuums mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort but they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.

In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well, or a auto vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the automated vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these premium features.

There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.

Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum robot, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.