Best Robot Vacuums

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

Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require physical remotes. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify pets, toys and other items that could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They also can detect changes in your living space, like if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature 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 simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chairs legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to see what is in their path even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

A self-emptying base can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days' worth of dust. They must be cleaned less often than the dustbin of 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 have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included with the robot.

A self-emptying base will not just save you time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is a different factor to consider. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user guide that is easy to understand. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't expensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able view the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire home in one step.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.

The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop your 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 a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a large, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle the entire house with a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop or sweep.

In addition to the basic features such as a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks have extras that help reduce the time needed to clean. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, so it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

Some models allow you to set a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the Vacuum Bot using your voice. Some models have advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you want the more expensive but there are reliable options at every price level.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing board while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.