Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up 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 by a smartphone app, but others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or automatic floor cleaning machine plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the couch or behind a 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 an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new appliance.

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

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If it's pets or cats it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).

The advanced robotic vacuums listed below use object detection to determine what is in their path, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of trash. They need to be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the floor washing robot.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's included with your robot vacuum.

Aside from cutting down on the time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will require cleaning periodically. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general, 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's easy to understand. A well-written guide will help you learn about the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the affordable robot vacuum, you'll be able to view the list of available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot using voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The best inexpensive robot vacuum robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back 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 whole apartment on one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for its next cleaning session.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

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. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose an item with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.

Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay more for these premium features.

There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things, the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable 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 on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.