Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot of debris on the baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require a physical remote for operation. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The most efficient robot vacuums feature sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as furniture, walls and cords. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize toys, pet food and other debris that could get in the machine's way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck in the sofa or behind the bed.

Some of the most advanced robots such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create maps. This allows them to navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes to your living space, such as when you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has, but it can make an important distinction in the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They are able to work in a variety of situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get stuck on larger objects, like large dog poop spills or chair legs. The robot vacuum will not be able lift large objects and could be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can leave unsightly skids on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their route with a piece of furniture or a box. smart vacuum cleaner permit you to create a virtual barrier in the application.

The advanced robotic vacuums listed here use objects detection to identify what is in their path even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

If you suffer from allergies or do not have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after every cleaning session self-emptying bases are an excellent feature to look for. These devices can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They must be emptied less often than the robot's dustbin.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robot the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included with your robot.

In addition to cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on dust bags that need to be replaced and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will require cleaning regularly. It is recommended to make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use, as well as an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that covers setup maintenance, troubleshooting and setup tips. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to view a list of all available settings and configure them by zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A number of popular brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will continue where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. The best robot vacuums are able to run for several hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households, and will allow you to clean an entire apartment in one move.


The typical dust bin on the robot vacuum has to be empty every couple of cleanings. This can be a difficult task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin and even blow and wash its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for the next cleaning session.

Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial when you have tiled or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction power as traditional vacuums and are unable to get rid of liquid spills.

Think about a robot that can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices have excellent performance and offer great value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction and come with a huge self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots, so they might not be able to tackle the entire house with a single charge.

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

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and energy, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually when cleaning. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you are prone to forgetting to sweep and mop.

The majority of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum 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 around your home, and slows down to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models allow you to set a timer or designate rooms that need to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and overcome obstacles. However, you'll have to pay a premium for these features.

Robot vacuums are offered in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro which is only suitable for hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ which can vacuum and mop hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else, if you want more features it will cost more, but there are options to suit every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-androll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not become stuck. It's got wifi and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can plan cleaning schedules and remotely control the vacuum.

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. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.