Best Robot Vacuums

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

Some models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify pets, toys and other debris that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can help you save time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

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 accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in a variety of situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots permit you to create a virtual barrier using the app.

The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

Many of the top robot vacuum cleaner-rated robotic hoovers vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.

Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will 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 periodically, depending on the manufacturer. To ensure optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. Generally speaking the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and then set them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. Many well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. Then, if you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the same power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without having to accompany them there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one step.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. Both models come with a high degree of suction, and they have a large self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able to tackle your entire home with 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 does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.

The majority of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.

Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you'd like the more expensive but there are reliable options at every price level.

We have the best robot vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac or one with intelligent vacuum cleaner mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic vacuum cleaner best 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 delivery for the holidays is on time.