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 dust on furniture and baseboards.

Some models are operated via a smartphone application and others require physical remotes. Some include advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can detect pets, toys and other items that could block the path of the machine or be sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from being stuck under the couch or behind the bed, allowing it to complete its cleaning more efficiently.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create a map of your home. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, for instance the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant distinction in the performance and ease of use of your new device.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in most circumstances 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, so you might have to create electronic keep-out zones around your home for specific objects.

Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects, like large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too large, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats, you might have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).

The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the area in front 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

Whether you have allergies or just do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session a self-emptying base is a convenient feature to look for. robot vacuum cleaners can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.

This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own, in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.


In addition to reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on replacement dust bags and help keep your home clean. Certain bases have separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned periodically, depending on the brand. To ensure that your base is operating at its best it is recommended to use the filters and accessories recommended by the manufacturer.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the device's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written guide can assist you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems as they arise. This is vital as these machines aren't cheap. Find a comprehensive manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able when using an app on your mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available settings. You can then arrange them by rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning times and even allow you to voice-command the robot. Several popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you fail to finish the task, the robot will resume where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. The most effective robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without having to drag them back. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one go.

The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a big home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums could save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are heavily tiled or have hardwood floors that require some extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as a traditional vacuum and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you want a robot that can mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide great value. They all have a high level of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to take on the entire house with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. The inexpensive model doesn't come with a built-in or removable water reservoir however, it does come with an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to empty the trash can manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds a lot or if it's an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.

Most of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to clean them thoroughly.

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

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

Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or an intelligent-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 excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery is on time.