Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others rely on the use of a physical remote vacuum to operate. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor washing robot plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology to avoid objects that can detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them 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 a feature that every robot has but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. They are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have pets or cats you may have to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the app).

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

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they need to be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.

This feature is offered on a variety of high-highest rated robot vacuum robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum robot.

Self-emptying bases not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. You should always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

The suction power of a robot is another factor to consider. There isn't a standard power scale utilized 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.

Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive guide that explains setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. 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 by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to last for hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire home in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large residence or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you from a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after every use, so that it is prepared for its next cleaning session.

The majority of robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and often struggle with liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our top two robots, and therefore they won't be able to complete your entire house on one charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have an integrated or removable reservoir for water, however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum bot - read more - designed for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort but they require daily maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop and sweep.

The majority of our top picks have additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that is easy to put on and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home to remove them completely.

Some models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features, it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used 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, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.