Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. However, they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled by an app for smartphones, but others rely on a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best buy robot vacuum cleaner vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also 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 convenience of your new appliance.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however, they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to create digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.

Even the best robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. In the case of pets or cats you may have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which 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 is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They must be emptying less often than the dustbin on the robot.

This feature is available on a variety of high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.

A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.

A quality robot should have features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for the manual that provides tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Several well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will pick up where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean the entire apartment in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuum cleaner reviews vacuums will save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial for tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both of high-quality and provide great value. They both have a decent level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able tackle the entire house with a single charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Fortunately, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has an automatic hoover robot bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to mop and sweep.

The majority of our top picks have additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Some models let you set a schedule for cleaning and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and help you get around obstacles. However, you will be charged a premium for these features.

You can find self-cleaning robot vacuums vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more, but there are options to suit every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac 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, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.