Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums excel in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However, they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like furniture, walls, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect pets, toys and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the couch or behind the bed, which allows it to complete its room cleaning tasks more efficiently.

Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create an outline map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and ease of your new device.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. It is possible to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.

Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items like chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. In the case of a cat or dog, you might have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the app).

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

Self-Emptying Bases

self vacuum-emptying bases can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able ton speak to the robot. Many popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The best robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without having to drag them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is sufficient for the majority of households, and will allow you to clean an entire home in one go.

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

Most robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention in between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can automatic vacuum cleaner and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both top-quality and provide great value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They might not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore, they may not be able tackle the entire house with a single charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't 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

While bagless robot vacuum vacuums can save you time and effort, they require some daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Select a model with a self-emptying bottom to reduce the number of times you'll need to manually empty the bin during cleaning sessions. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.

Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in the right place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart robot homes 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 advanced features.

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more however, there are options for every budget.

Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent vacuum cleaner-mapping model that will clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. 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-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vac.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum (over here), read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. And don't miss our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure that your Christmas delivery arrives in time.