Best Robot Vacuums

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

Certain models can be operated by a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The most effective robot vacuums come with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles like walls, cords, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the machine's path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can help you save time in cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping in the couch or behind the bed and allowing it to complete its assigned room cleaning 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 accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it could make a significant difference to the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.

smart vacuum cleaner of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They are useful in many situations however they can become stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the ability to recognize when they miss an obstacle. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects out.

Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be able to lift it and may be forced to push it to the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you might need to block their path with a piece of furniture or a box. Some robots will allow you to create a virtual barrier using the application.


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

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. These devices hold anywhere from 45 to 60 days of waste, meaning they should be emptied much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

This feature is available on several top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.

Aside from reducing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Based on the manufacturer, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, but they may require cleaning frequently. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is a different aspect to take into consideration. While there isn't a standard power scale that all companies follow, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the machine's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should also have features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't expensive. You should look for a manual that includes tips on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able to see the available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floor surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions, and even control the robot using voice. Many well-known brands allow you to design your own cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go areas. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. If you do not remember to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, however, their motors are efficient. Therefore, the most efficient robot vacuums can run for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they get to their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to clean your whole apartment on one step.

The average dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a tedious task, particularly if you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. A self-emptying robot vacuum can save you a lot of frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and blow and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next cleaning session.

Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction as traditional vacuums and are unable to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a machine that can both vacuum and mop, consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks offer excellent performance and great value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a big self-emptying base station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire home with a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not have a removable or built-in water reservoir. However, it does have high suction (2,500 Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs, but it's still an excellent option for keeping your floors looking clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums are able to save you time and effort, they do require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying bin to reduce the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to mop and sweep.

Many of our top picks have additional features that reduce cleaning time. They include rotating brushes and suction. Look into a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is easy to attach and stays in place as well as a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to identify dirt spots in your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

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

Robot vacuums are available in different prices, from $100 for the ILife V3s pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1600 for the Roborock Q5 Max+ that can vacuum and mop both carpets and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you'd like, the higher the price, but there are reliable options at every price point.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with excellent object-avoidance tech that allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's equipped with wifi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

Check out our guide to robotic vacuums as well as our guide to robotic mops for more tips. And don't miss our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure your holiday delivery arrives in time.