Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from hard floors and carpets. However they leave a lot behind on the baseboards and furniture.

Some models are operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will help you save time by making sure that your robot is not trapped under the sofa or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect any changes to your living space, for instance if you move an item of furniture. This isn't something that every robot comes with, but it could be a significant improvement in the performance and ease of your new device.

Many of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums could be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you may need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will permit you to create a virtual barrier in the app.

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

Self-Emptying Bases

Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.

This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.

Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also help keep your home spotless. Based on the model, some bases have separate filters that can capture allergens, but they might require cleaning periodically. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

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

Finally, a good machine should have user-friendly features and a user's manual that's easy to understand. A well-written guide can help you learn about the basics and troubleshoot problems, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides instructions on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones, or individual floor washing robot surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to finish the task the robot will pick up where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and begin cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to be there. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire house in one go.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next cleaning session.

Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwoods that need some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to remove liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can also auto vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They all have a high amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and so they might not be able to tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floor. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can save you time and effort, they also require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with an automatic bottom that can be empty to cut down on the number of times you need to manually empty the bin during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.

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

Certain models let you set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can understand the layout of your home and get around obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these features.

Robot vacuums are available at different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+ which can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. Like most things when you're looking for more features it will cost more however, there are options for everyone's budget.

We have the best inexpensive robot vacuum robotic vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.