Best Robot Vacuums

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

Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect pets, toys and other debris that could hinder the operation of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features can save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference in the performance and comfort 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 a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as shoes or lamp cords. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the best roborock vacuum robot vacuums can get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).

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

Self-Emptying Basses

Whether you have allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days of dust. They must be cleaned less often than the dustbin of the robot.

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

Apart from reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may require cleaning frequently. To ensure optimal performance, you should always use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't expensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available settings. You can set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. Several popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. As such, the best self cleaning vacuum robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean your entire apartment in one go.

The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a challenging task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will save you from a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a robot that can mop and automated vacuum cleaner, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, and so they may not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't expensive and 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 and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful in the event that your pet sheds often or have an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.

In addition to the basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleaning time even more. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and 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 help you get around obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.

Robot vacuums are available at various prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.

We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule house cleaning robot (no title) times or remotely control the vac.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic vacuum cleaner on sale mops to learn more tips. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.