Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums are great in removing pet hair, dust and other messes from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated by a smartphone application, while others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to recognize toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ object detection to see what is in front of them even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and 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 conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they should be emptied far less often than the onboard bin of the robot.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.

In addition to reducing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. To ensure optimal performance, you should always use the filters and accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written user manual can help you learn the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential as these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able, in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up by zones, rooms, or individual floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to set up specific cleaning times, and even command the robot by voice. Several popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they reach 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 provide enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one go.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you a amount of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is prepared for its next cleaning session.

The majority of Robot Vacuum Mops vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

Consider a robot which can mop and vacuum at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a great value. Both models have a high level of suction, and they have a large, self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to complete your entire home on a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they also require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you'll need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot, or if you often forget to sweep and mop.

Many of our top picks have additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt spots in your home so it can remove them completely.

Certain models let you set a schedule or designate rooms that need to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn your home's layout and get around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these features.

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else, if you want more features you will pay more, but there are options to suit every budget.

If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. 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-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.