Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are great in removing dust, pet hair and other debris from hard and carpet floors. They leave a lot of dust on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with an app for smartphones, but others require physical remotes for operation. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the couch or behind the bed.

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

A majority of the less expensive models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations however, they can get hung up on items that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are also less expensive and do not have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items out.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog waste poop messes. If the object is too big the robot may not be able to lift it and will be forced to push it over or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a pet or cat, you might need to block their path with a box or furniture. Some robots even permit you to create a virtual barrier using the application.

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

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or just don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's trash bin after each cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days worth of debris. They should be cleaned less often than the robot's dustbin.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature that includes iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll need purchase the self-emptying base on your own unless it's included with your robot.

A self-emptying base will not only save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the model certain bases come with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they might need to be cleaned out regularly. To maintain optimal performance you should use the filters and other accessories suggested by the manufacturer.

The suction power of a robot is a different factor to be considered. There is no standard power scale that is used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa), which provides a rough idea of how the device performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A reputable robot must come with features that are easy to use, as well as an instruction manual that is easy to understand. A well-written guide will aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot problems that arise, which is essential because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view a list of all available settings and set them by rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Some apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. Many popular brands let you design your own cleaning schedule and create virtual no-go zones. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning plan and come back to it at any point. If you do not remember to finish the task, the robot will resume where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums run for hours on one charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult task, especially if you have a large house or a lot of pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum will help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own trash bin, and even wash and dry its filter after each use so it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.


The majority of robot vacuums have a removable or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly useful when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with liquid spills.

You should think about a machine that can vacuum and mop at the same time like the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both high-quality and offer excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots and therefore they might not be able tackle your 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 have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S can't vacuum stairs or furniture, but it's still a great choice for keeping your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require constant maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model that has a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.

Most of our top picks have additional features that help reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with mopping pads that can be removed, which are easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots in your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

auto vacuum cleaner allow you to set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that control the vacuum using your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these premium features.

You can find robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more however, there are options for every budget.

If you're looking for a basic bump-and-roll vac or an intelligent-mapping model that will clean your washboard 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-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vac.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates so that your holiday delivery is on time.