Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot comes with, but it could make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in most circumstances however they can become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it to the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have dogs or cats, you might have to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).

The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they need to be emptied far less often than the bin on the robot's own.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not included with your robot vacuum.

Apart from reducing the amount of time you spend on 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 that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned regularly, based on the model. To maintain optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should look for an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot using voice. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean an entire apartment in one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuum cleaner industrial vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums will save you from a amount of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with an adjustable or built-in water tank, which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional Vacuum Bot and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide an excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, therefore they won't be able to take on your entire home on a single charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir however, it does come with a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs however 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 do require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For example, choose one with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed a lot or have the norm to not clean up and mop.

In addition to basic features such as suction and a rotating brush and suction, many of our top picks include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, so it slows down to thoroughly clean them.

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

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things the more features you want, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.

Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.