Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other particles from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.

Some models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect pets, toys and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best self cleaning vacuum robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items like chair legs or large dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to see what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or just don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means 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+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included with your robot automated vacuum.

Apart from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They might need to be cleaned regularly, based on the brand. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot vacuum cleaner quiet (look here) is another factor to be considered. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Many popular brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most expensive robot vacuum effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will start where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically when they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so 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 particularly beneficial when your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you want a robot that can both mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to complete your entire home in one charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with an automatic floor cleaners bottom that can be empty to cut down on the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to mop and sweep.

In addition to the standard features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks also have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. 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 detect dirt spots in your home, which is why it reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.

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

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can vacuum and mop both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more however, there are options to suit every budget.

Whether you just need a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.