Best Robot Vacuums

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

Some models are operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that can detect pets, toys and other items that could hinder the operation of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting trapped under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet bot cleaner (Full Record) AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make an important difference in the performance and convenience your new device.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. These can work well in many situations, but they can easily become entangled with objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability 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 broom vacuums can get stuck on larger objects like chair legs or Bot cleaner dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot vacuum cleaner review cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier using the app.

The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different kinds of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases are a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's with the robot vacuum.

In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

The suction power of a robot is an additional factor to be considered. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of the performance of the device. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user manual that is simple to read. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. You should be able, if you are using a mobile application to control the robot to view a list of the available settings. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot with a voice. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean the entire apartment in one move.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own trash bin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

Most robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

You should think about a machine that can mop and vacuum simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer an excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore, they may not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it has a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Choose a model that has a self-emptying bottom to reduce the amount of time you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot or if you often forget to sweep and mop.

The majority of our top picks include additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.

Some models allow you to set a timer, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need to pay for these advanced features.

There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features it will cost more but there are options to suit every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around furniture and toys 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 vac.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum deals robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.