Best Robot Vacuums

The best automatic floor cleaner robot vacuums are great at picking up pet hair, dust and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that can identify pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the sofa or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however they can become entangled with objects that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. If the object is too large the robot may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier within the application.

The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in low and optimal light conditions to detect what's in the vicinity of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.

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

Self-emptying bases will not just save your time, but also save you money on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the model. To maintain optimal performance you should make use of the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. In general, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should also have features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital because these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able view the list of available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot using voice. Many popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any point. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean the entire home in one move.

The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.

Many robot vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra 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.

Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both come with a high degree of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our top two robots, though, so they might not be able to complete your entire home in one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S is not a vacuum for furniture or stairs however it can be used to keep your floors clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning. This feature is especially helpful for pet owners who shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.

In addition to regular features like suction and rotating brushes and suction, many of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. You should consider a multi-surface automatic vacuum cleaners with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and stays on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

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

You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things 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've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the automatic vacuum.

Take a look at our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. Be sure to review our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery arrives on time.