The Best Robot Vacuums

A robot vacuum is a great option to keep your floors tidy regardless of whether you live in a home that is 3,000 square feet with three shaggy doggies or live in a chic apartment. The top models have self-emptying bases as well as docks that charge automatically. They also come with features such as sensors for cliffs.

If you have carpet, look for a model with high suction capacity measured in Pascal (Pa). You can establish virtual barriers or no-go zones to prevent the robot from entering certain areas.

Smart Mapping

Many robot vacuums do not have the ability to map. This can be frustrating if you are trying to clean your home. These budget-friendly models could get stuck on a range of obstacles, including cords, furniture legs and even pet toys that have popped up from under sofa cushions.

That's why the best robot vacuums with obstacle avoidance use multiple cameras and sensors to create a detailed map of the area they are moving through your home. They are able to move more efficiently through your home, cleaning in a logical order and not having to waste time cleaning areas they've already cleaned. It also prevents them from getting stuck on items that have been moved during a cleaning session, or needing to spend more time "robot-proofing" your home by keeping cords away.

Robot vacuums can utilize various methods of navigation to create maps which range from the most basic to the latest. Some models with budget prices make use of infrared sensors, whereas others use optical sensors that measure the time it takes for a reflected signal to reach the robot's backside. This helps the robot determine its location within the room. Certain models that are high-end, such as the Eufy S1 Pro robot, use SLAM navigation, which makes use of a combination sensors to build a room map.

This is the most modern method, because not only does it allow robots to move more effectively, but it also provides an interface that is beneficial to the user. These systems show a 3D rendering with which you can interact with, and can also establish virtual boundaries or restricted zones for the robot. This type of mapping can be used even in darkness provided there is a source of light close by (like a table lamp) that illuminates the room enough to allow the robot to see the surroundings.

The most recent robots that make use of LiDAR, which is also known as laser scanning, are able to create a detailed map of your home as it moves through the rooms. It's not as precise as a SLAM but it's still useful in getting around obstacles. LiDAR is often tripped up by objects that reflect or absorb the laser beam, such as dark-colored floors. This can trigger cliff sensors on the majority of robots and cause them stop.

Self-Emptying Bins

Robot vacuums are attractive because they can transfer debris from onboard dustbins into their docking bases without intervention. This eliminates the need for the user to bend down to empty their bins, which decreases the frequency with the maintenance tasks that are completed. This is particularly important if your home is large and you wish to reduce the time that your hands are spent handling dust and dirt.

It can take up to seven hours for the robot to be fully charged and ready to clean again. This isn't ideal for large households or families with busy schedules. To avoid this issue Most manufacturers provide the option of pause and then resume cleaning where the robot left off once its battery is recharged. This feature is available on a majority of robots. It's great for parents with children or who regularly leave their home to go to work.

Take best automatic vacuum cleaner of whether the robot utilizes a bag to collect debris or in the event that it does not. A bagged model can help you avoid releasing dust that has clumped up into the air when it's empty, but you'll need to purchase and replace the bags frequently. If a model that is bagless is what you prefer, search for models with a sensor that monitors the onboard dustbin for fullness and alerts you when it needs to be empty.

In addition to self-emptying bins The best robotic cleaners also come with cliff sensors as well as docking sensors that prevent them from falling over or getting stuck in the middle of obstacles. They also have advanced artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and avoid various types of debris.

To ensure they are running efficiently the majority of robot vacuums require regular maintenance. This includes regular cleaning of the brushroll, side brushes and wheels to remove pet hair and other debris that can cause obstructions and decrease suction power. Make sure to check the level of charge frequently to ensure that it is always operating at its peak capacity. Batteries that are not fully charged or full can slow down the robot and make it perform less efficiently. It is therefore important to monitor the charge on a regular basis.

Pet Hair Detection

In our tests, some robots were very good at getting pet hair out. These included the Roomba Combo 10 Max as well as the SwitchBot. Some robots were better than others in capturing hair from pets. Most of the cheaper models rely on bump sensors for objects avoidance, and then plow into things like dangling cords and shoelaces (see below). Some of the more expensive vacuum and mop robots we tested have intelligent mapping and learning capabilities to help them map your home and navigate better over time. This feature is especially helpful for those who have carpeted floors as well as a lot of pet hair.

It is essential to conduct regular maintenance to maximize these features. This includes emptying the dust bin, cleaning the filters and other nooks and crannies periodically, and wiping down sensors for charging and anti-drop. Update the firmware to ensure that your robot is working effectively.


If you own a machine that can mop, make sure to clean the brush and wipe it clean every now and then. This is crucial to keep it from getting caught in hair, as well as maintaining its good condition. Replace the mop pads every six months to ensure they are still working.

Some of the more advanced robots have the ability to block off areas of your home when they're cleaning, preventing them from venturing into areas that you don't want them entering. You can create virtual walls or boundary lines by using your smartphone. This is especially helpful if there are dangling cords, wires, or other items that you don't wish the robot to run into or get stuck on. If good robot vacuum enable this feature in the app, some robots will notify you when they're about to hit something. This isn't something all robots provide, but it's worth adding to the list.

Remote Control

Robotic vacuum cleaners are operated remotely and are controlled via apps, voice commands, or traditional remotes. They also have auto-charging and scheduling features, which allow you to keep the cleanliness of your home without manual involvement. This feature is a huge advantage for those with weak or limited mobility, since it removes the need to lift heavy furniture or struggle to get into difficult spaces.

The best robotic vacuums can adapt their operation to a wide range of floor surfaces, obstacles and other variables. They often include sensors that detect different areas of the room and adjust in accordance with the area. This feature allows the robot to automatically change its cleaning method when switching between tile, carpet, hardwood, or other types of floors.

These machines are a great help in households with busy lifestyles and frequent guests. Robot vacuums can be programmed to clean your home while you're away. And they can return to their docking station when the power is cut off. This will save you time and money by avoiding the stress of an unclean home.

If you opt for one equipped with smart-compatible technology it will be able to connect to your Wi-Fi network, and also communicate with your smartphone. This lets you manage the device via an app, schedule cleaning sessions, and check your battery status and mapping history. You can also use your app to view photos of your room when your robot has cameras. This can be helpful in identifying objects that the robot may have missed during its previous cleaning run like pets toys or chewed-up socks.

Most of the top robots offer this type of smart integration. Some are compatible with Google Assistant, which means you can activate them by simply speaking a command through a smart speaker or display. However, some devices may not communicate with Google Assistant, due to issues such as signal strength or location proximity. Maintaining the device up-to-date and reducing the distance between it and your Wi-Fi router, or even thinking about an extender for Wi-Fi can solve this issue.