Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums excel at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. However they leave a lot of debris on baseboards and furniture.

Many models can be controlled using a smartphone app, but others rely on the use of a physical remote to operate. Certain models have advanced features such as LiDAR navigation and editable floor plans.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls, and furniture. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could get in the way of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will save you time in cleaning by preventing your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its cleanup more efficiently.

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

Many of the cheaper models rely on sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, like lamp cords and shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the capability of learning when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.

Even the best robot vacuums can get stuck on larger items such as chair legs or dog Poop poop mess. The robot cleaner won't be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them around or over the edges of the room. best home vacuum cleaner can result in unsightly skids on your floors. In the case of pets or cats it is possible to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to set up in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in optimal and low-light conditions to detect what's in the area in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of each cleaning session. These devices can hold up to 60 days of dust. They should be emptied less frequently than the dustbin of the robot.

This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, and the Roborock S8, among others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, in the event that it is not included with the robot vacuum.

In addition to decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning the base, a self-emptying one will also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home clean. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the model. To ensure optimal performance it is recommended to use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general the greater the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.

A reputable robot must include features that are simple to use and a user's guide that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can help you learn the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't inexpensive. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able when using an application on mobile, to control the robot, to view a list of the available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot with a voice. Several popular brands let you make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best robots will let you save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will pick up where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to clean your entire apartment in one go.

The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large house or pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's 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 your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when you have tiled or hardwood floors that require a little extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping machines generally don't have the level of suction that a traditional vacuum has and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks have excellent performance and offer excellent value. They all have a high suction level and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able to take on your entire house with a single charge.


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

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.

Many of our top picks include additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that's easy to put on and stays in position as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots around your home so it can remove them completely.

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

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on floors made of wood to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+, which can vacuum and mop both hardwood floors and carpets. As with most things the more features you require the more expensive however, there are dependable options for every price point.

If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we have the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops to learn more tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your Christmas delivery will arrive on time.