Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of picking up pet hair and other debris on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated via a smartphone application however others require physically operated remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have technology for object-avoidance to identify toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.
Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many scenarios, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too large the robot cleaner might not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, leaving unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's a cat or dog it is possible 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 set up within the application).
The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to see what's in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are a convenient feature to look for. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.
This feature is available on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in your robot.
In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base can also save money on replacement dust bags and keep your home clean. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may need to be cleaned out regularly. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure optimal performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to provide an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking the more powerful the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as a user guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual will help you learn the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able, in the event that you use a mobile application to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up in rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any point. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums might not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they are at their base, without having to drag them back. 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 move.
The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be emptied after every few cleans. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to remove liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can mop and vacuum, you should consider a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not 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 sweep, mop or spot clean your floor. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
best rated robot vacuum are great to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the amount of time you'll need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful when you have pets that shed a lot or you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.
In addition to standard features like suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks include extra features that can cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and stays on well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.
Certain models allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and use smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these premium features.
You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more, but there are options for everyone's budget.
We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need an easy bump and roll vac, or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech which allows it to move between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide to the best robotic vacs. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.