Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are great at picking up pet hair, dust and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be modified.

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 clutter which could get in the way of the machine, or be sucked up into the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the performance and convenience of your new device.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. These robots are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.

Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items, like large dog poop spills or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly skids on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block its path with the use of a box, best robot vacuum piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here use object detection to determine what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an option to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the onboard bin of the 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 need to purchase the self emptying base on your own unless it's included with the robot.

In addition to 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 keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure the highest performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the machine's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A quality robot should include features that are simple to use, as well as a user guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and solve issues as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that explains how to set up as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and configure them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even speak to the robot. Several popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The best robot vacuum for large house robots will let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task the robot will start 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 buy robot vacuum robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean an entire apartment in one go.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum will save you from a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next vacuuming sessions.

Most robot vacuums also 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 hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines typically don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you want a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. Both models have a high level of suction and come with a large self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to complete your entire home in one charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. It does however have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose an item that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.

In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks also include extra features that can 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 holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.

Some models let you set a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.

Robot vacuums are available at a range of costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop hardwoods and carpets. As with most things when you're looking for more features, it will cost more, but there are options for every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or one with smart robot vacuums mapping 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 toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wifi-equipped and Best Robot Vacuum works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.