The Best Robot Vacuums

If you have an area of 3,000 square feet and have three shaggy dogs or a stylish apartment, a robot vacuum is an excellent option for keeping your floors spotless. The top models are self-emptying bases that dock and recharge on a schedule, and offer features like sensors for cliffs.

If you have carpeting, select an upright vacuum cleaner with a high suction power (measured in Pascals). No-go zones and virtual barriers let you set up zones that the robot can't go through.

Smart Mapping

A lot of robot vacuums don't come with mapping capabilities which can be a problem when you're trying to get your home clean. These budget-friendly models could get stuck on a variety of obstacles, including cords, furniture legs, and even pet toys that have popped up from under sofa cushions.


This is why the top robot vacuums that have obstacle avoidance utilize multiple sensors and cameras to create a precise map of the area they are moving through your home. They can navigate more efficiently through your home by cleaning in a logical order and not having to spend time cleaning areas they've already cleaned. This also helps them avoid getting stuck on objects that were moved during a cleaning session, or needing to spend more time "robot-proofing" your home by putting cords out of their way.

Robot vacuums use a variety of techniques for navigation to create maps which range from the simplest to the most modern. Infrared sensors are employed in some models that are budget-friendly as well as others that use optical sensor technology that emits the light in a beam and tracks the time it takes for the reflection signal to reach its backside, which assists the robot figure out its position in the room. Certain high-end models like the Eufy S1 Pro robot, use SLAM navigation, which makes use of a combination of sensors to construct an image of the room.

This is the most modern method, because it not only allows robots to move more efficiently, but it also provides a user interface that is beneficial for the user. These systems provide you with a 3D rendering of your home which you can interact with as well as erase virtual boundaries or create restricted zones in the application for the robot to stay out of. This type of mapping works in dark areas, as long as you have an area of light (like lamps) which can light up a room enough for the robot to see its surroundings.

The most recent robots that make use of LiDAR, or laser scanning, are able to build a detailed map of your home as it moves through the rooms. It's not as precise as an SLAM system but it can be useful in the avoidance of obstacles. LiDAR may be tripped by objects that reflect or absorb the laser beam, such as dark-colored floors, which will trigger cliff sensors on most robots and cause them stop.

Self-Emptying Dustbins

One of the most appealing features of robot vacuums is their capacity to transfer debris automatically from their onboard dustbins to their docking bases, without any intervention from the user. This eliminates the need to constantly bend down to empty the bin and, in turn, reduces the frequency of maintenance tasks. This is especially important if your home is large and you wish to cut down on the amount of time your hands are spent handling dust and dirt.

It can take as long as seven hours for a robot to be fully charged and ready to clean again. This isn't ideal for large families or families with busy schedules. Most manufacturers allow pausing cleaning and continuing in the same spot where the robot stopped after its battery has been charged. This feature is offered on most robots and is a great addition if you often have to leave home for work or are parents of young children.

When you are choosing a self-emptying machine take into consideration whether it utilizes bags or a bagless system to collect debris. Bagged models will prevent dust clumps from releasing into the air when they are emptied. However, you'll have to buy and replace bags regularly. If you prefer a bagless version, look for models that have sensors that monitor the dust bin onboard and notify you when it's time to empty it.

In addition to self-emptying dustbins The top robotic cleaners also come with cliff sensors as well as docking sensors that prevent them from falling over or becoming stuck in the middle of obstacles. check these guys out have advanced artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and avoid various types of debris.

Most robot vacuums need regular maintenance and attention to keep them running smoothly. This includes regular cleaning of the brushroll, sides brushes and wheels to remove pet hair and other debris that could block them and reduce suction power. Make sure to check the level of charge frequently to ensure that it is always at its highest capacity. Low or flat batteries will slow the robot down and make it perform less efficiently. It is therefore important to check the battery's charge regularly.

Pet Hair Detection

In our tests, some robots were extremely effective in picking up pet hair. This included the Roomba Combo 10 Max as well as the SwitchBot. Some robots were better than others at capturing hair from pets. Often these cheaper models rely on bump sensors for object avoidance and plow right into things like hanging shoelaces and cords (see below). A few of the more expensive vacuum and mop robots we have tested employ advanced smart mapping and learning capabilities to assist them in mapping your home and navigate better over time. This feature is especially useful for those who have carpeted floors and a lot of pet hair.

To make the most of these benefits it's recommended to carry out regular maintenance. This could involve emptying your dust bin, cleaning filters and other nooks and wiping down anti-drop and charging sensors. It is also recommended to make the effort to update the firmware, which will allow your robot remain in good working order for an extended period of time.

If you have a robot with mopping capabilities, be sure to wash the brush and wipe it clean regularly. It is essential to keep it clean and in good working order. It's also an ideal idea to change the mop pad every six months or so to make sure it's still working effectively.

Some robots can create virtual walls or boundary strips on your smartphone. This is useful if you have wires, cords or other objects you don't want the robot to cross. You can build virtual walls or boundary lines using your smartphone. This is especially helpful in the case of dangling cords, wires, or other objects you don't wish the robot to run into or become stuck on. Some robotic cleaners are able to warn you of things they're about to hit, when you enable this feature within the application. This isn't a feature all robots provide however it's a good addition to the list.

Remote Control

Remotely controlled robotic vacuum cleaners are controlled by apps voice commands, or traditional remotes. They also come with auto-charging and scheduling features that make it easy to maintain an orderly home without manual involvement. This feature is a huge benefit for those with limitations in their mobility and strength since it removes the necessity to lift heavy furniture or struggle to get into awkward spaces.

The best robotic vacuums are able to adapt their operation to a wide variety of flooring surfaces, obstacles, and other elements. They often include sensors that detect different areas of the room and adjust accordingly. This feature allows a robot to automatically switch between cleaning methods while switching between tile, carpet, hardwood or other types of flooring.

These machines with intelligence can be beneficial to families who have a hectic schedule and guests who are often present. Robot vacuums can be programmed to clean your home while you are away, and they can also return to their docking station when the power runs out. This will relieve you of the stress of having an unclean home and save time and money.

If you opt for a model with smart-compatible technology it can connect to your Wi-Fi network and connect with your smartphone. You can utilize an app to plan cleaning sessions and check the battery level, and review the mapping history. If your robovac comes with cameras, you can also use the app to look at photos of your space. This is useful for detecting objects the robot may have missed on the previous cleaning session.

Most of the best robots feature this kind of smart integration. Certain robots are compatible with Google Assistant. This means that you can activate them simply by giving a command through a smart speaker. Some devices may experience issues communicating with Google Assistant due to signal strength or proximity. Keeping the device updated and removing any barriers between it and your Wi-Fi router or even considering an extender for Wi-Fi can solve this issue.