Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.

Some models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models come with advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor vacuum robot maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to stay clear of obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify pets, toys and other debris that 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 stuck under the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create maps. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new appliance.

Many of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle and you may have to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have pets or cats, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different kinds of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they must be cleaned much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's with the robot vacuum.

A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned frequently, based on the manufacturer. To maintain optimal performance, you should always make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot vacuum cleaners is an additional factor to be considered. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies use, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. Generally speaking, the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality machine should have user-friendly features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written manual will assist you in learning the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is important since these machines aren't expensive. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you'll be able view the list of available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even speak to the robot. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones as well as create custom cleaning plans. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it whenever you want. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums can run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their destination, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and allows you to clean an entire house in one go.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying robotic vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is prepared for its next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo robot vac - milsaver.com - or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a great value. Both are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with a built-in 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 doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's an excellent option for keeping your floors clean smart robot between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful if your pets shed often or have a habit to forget to clean up and mop.

In addition to the standard features like suction and rotating brushes, most of our top picks also include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that is simple to put on and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are offered in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. As with everything else when you're looking for more features, it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.

We have the best robotic vacuums for your needs, whether it's a an easy bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works 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 suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.