Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuum cleaner review vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of 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, like when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can make a significant difference in the performance and ease of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to recognize when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it over or around the edge of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier within the app.

The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to determine what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of trash, which means they need to be emptied far less often than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.

In addition to decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. These may need to cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To maintain optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the robot's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good 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 resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a thorough manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able to view a list of all available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even allow you to voice-command the robot. A few popular brands also allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The best value robot vacuum robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as fully-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best combo vacuum robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you having to accompany them there. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and will allow you to clean your entire house in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. Self-emptying Robotic Floor Vacuums vacuums will save you from a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next vacuuming session.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a great value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The model isn't expensive and doesn't come with a removable or built-in water reservoir. It does however have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. There are some models that require less effort than others. Select a model with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you have to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful in the event that your pet sheds a lot or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.

In addition to standard 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 a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it slows down to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are available in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can mop and vacuum both hardwoods and carpets. Like most things when you're looking for more features you will pay more, but there are options for everyone's budget.

Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become 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.

For more advice on selecting the best floor vacuum robot robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic floor scrubber mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.