Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are great at picking up dust, pet hair and other particles from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on baseboards and furniture.

Certain models can be operated via a smartphone application, while others require physically operated remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to stay clear of obstacles like walls, cords and furniture. They have object-avoidance technologies that detect pets, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or be taken up by the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect any changes to your living space, such as the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something that every robot has, but it can make a significant difference in the efficiency and comfort of your new appliance.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. These can work well in most circumstances however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and do not have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.


Even the best robot vacuums could get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift massive objects and may be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. This could leave ugly scratches on your floors. If it's a cat or dog, you might have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums in this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting 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 is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases can be an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These units can hold up to 60 days of trash. They should be emptied less often than the dustbin on the robot.

Many of the top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately in the event that it is not with your robot vacuum.

In addition to decreasing the amount of time you're spending cleaning, a self-emptying base will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. There isn't a standard power scale utilized by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating is, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and solve issues that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should look for the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see the available settings and set them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even command the robot with a voice. Many popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning plan and return to it at any time. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums do not 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 last for a long time on a single charge of batteries. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to join them. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean an entire home in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum must be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum can save you from a amount 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 its next vacuuming sessions.

Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop simultaneously like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. click here Links to an external site. have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to take on your entire house on one charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

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

The majority of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that is simple to attach and remains in place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can remove them completely.

Certain models let you create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models have advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll be required to pay for these premium features.

Robot vacuums are available at different costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 maximum+, which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. Like everything else the more features you require, the higher the price however, there are dependable options at every price point.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require an easy bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that will clean your washing machine while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.