Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. However they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation, or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will help you save time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up electronic keep-out zones around your house for certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items, like large pet poop or chairs legs. The robotic cleaner will not be able lift massive objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If you have pets or cats, you might have to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).

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

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the bin on the robot's own.

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

Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. 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 understand. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. Look for a detailed guide that explains setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. You should be able, when using a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available settings. You can then arrange them in rooms, zones, or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. A few popular brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and make customized cleaning schedules. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any point. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuum cleaner industrial vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire apartment in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where a self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can both mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable reservoir for water, however, it has 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 a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they require regular maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. For instance, select an item with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.

In addition to basic features such as suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots in your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.

Certain models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else, the more features you'd like, the higher the price however, there are dependable options for every price range.

We have the best robot floor cleaner robot vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. 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-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.

For more tips on choosing the best Combo Vacuum robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best roborock vacuum robotic vacuums. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.