Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Certain models can be operated using a smartphone app and others require physically operated remotes. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and automatic floor vacuum plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features can save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the sofa or behind the bed and which allows it to complete its room cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Best Robovac Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and convenience your new appliance.

Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however they can get hung up on items that are too close, like shoes and lamp cords. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to set up electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects like chair legs or large dog poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and will likely be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog it is possible to block their path with the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).

The more advanced robotic vacuum cleaner commercial vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be a useful feature, whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of yrrange them by zones, rooms or even individual floor surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Some of the most popular brands let you set virtual no-go zones and make custom cleaning plans. The best automatic vacuum cleaner robots will allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you do not remember to complete the task the robot will start where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not have the same power as full-sized corded uprights and cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can last for a long time on a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they reach their base without you having to escort them back. In our tests, a battery life of 90 to 100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households and allows you to clean the entire apartment in one step.

The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.

The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial for floors that are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a robot that can also vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and they have a large, self-emptying station. They might not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able to tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized 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 clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.

Many of our top picks include additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in the right place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

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

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like most things, if you want more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.

If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. 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-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for additional tips. Don't forget to check out our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.