Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others require a physical remote vacuum for operation. Certain models come with advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other items that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and comfort of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able to 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 cat or dog it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up within the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.

Self-emptying bases not just save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out periodically. To ensure that your base is operating at its best you should use the filters and other accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Finally, a good 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 troubleshoot common issues, which is important as these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones or even individual floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. A number of popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to be there. 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 thoroughly clean your entire apartment in one step.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.

The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction and come with a huge self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.

The majority of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in position as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home so it can remove them completely.

Certain models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay 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 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can mop and Vacuum bot both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price range.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the best robot cleaner 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 works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuum cleaner on sale vacs. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.