Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require a physical remote vacuum. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor vacuum robot maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind the bed.

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

Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are able to work in most circumstances however they can get caught up in objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your house for certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums may get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have pets or cats it is possible to block its path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured here employ objects detection to identify what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect more than 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after every cleaning session, a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days of dust. They must be emptying less often than the robot's dustbin.

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

In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters for capturing allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the manufacturer. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There is no standard power scale utilized 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 good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Some of the most popular brands allow you to set virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning schedules. The top robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without you having to escort them back to their base. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire home in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum cleaner sale vacuum could save you from a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and clean and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for its next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and often struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can vacuum and mop, consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with an integrated or removable water reservoir, but it does have an impressive suction level (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 furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds often, or if it's the norm to not clean up and mop.

In addition to standard features like a rotating brush and suction, the majority of our top picks also come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are available at different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you'd like the more expensive however, there are dependable options for every price point.

We have the top robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac, or one with intelligent mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.