Best Robot Vacuums

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

Many models can be controlled using an app for smartphones, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect toys, pet foods, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the couch or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new appliance.

Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog Poop poop mess. The robot vacuum will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly skids on your floors. If it's a cat or dog it is possible to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to see what is in front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.

Apart from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the model. Always use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of how the device performs. Generally speaking the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The top robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically once they are at their base, without you having to escort them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to clean your entire home in one step.

The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large house or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can mop and vacuum at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction, and they come with a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore, they may not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.

Most of our top picks include additional features that reduce cleaning time. These 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 as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, so it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you set a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles however, you'll need to pay for these advanced features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else, the more features you want the more expensive, but there are reliable options for every price level.

If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. 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 wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your holiday gift arrives in time.