Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do an excellent job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation, or editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture, and cords. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could hinder the operation of the machine, or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet bot cleaner AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and comfort of your new device.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like shoes and lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the ability to learn when they miss an obstacle. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their route with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.

The more advanced robotic vacuums listed here utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days worth of waste, meaning they need to be emptied more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included 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 cleaner. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They might need to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best, you should always use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a 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 reputable robot must have features that are easy to use and a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential since these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out an instruction manual that contains tips on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to view the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Some apps let you set up specific cleaning times, and even control the robot with a voice. A number of popular brands let you create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you fail to finish the task the self-cleaning robot vacuums will start where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, we found that a 90-100 minute battery life is ideal for most homes and will give you enough time to clean your entire apartment in one go.

The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a challenging task, particularly if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums could save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and even wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next cleaning session.

Many amazon robot vacuum vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both of high-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a decent 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, so they might not be able to tackle the 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. It does however have high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for furniture or stairs, however it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for reducing time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. Choose a model that has self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of times you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially useful if your pets shed often or have a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.

Most of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that comes with a mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home so it can remove them completely.

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

You can find robot vacuums that fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you want the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price point.

Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or one with smart mapping that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the top robotic vacuums. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery is on time.