Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums are excellent in removing dust, pet hair and other messes from carpet and hard floors. However, they leave a lot behind on baseboards and furniture.

Some models can be operated using a smartphone app however others require a physical remote. Some models include advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

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

Some of the more advanced robots, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+, use cameras and lasers to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect any changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot is equipped with, but it can be a significant improvement in the efficiency and comfort of your new gadget.

A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in many scenarios but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots also lack the capability to learn from a missed obstacle which is why you may need to create digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums may be stuck on larger objects such as chair legs or dog poop messes. The robotic cleaner will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room cleaning robot. This can leave unsightly flooring with sludge. If you have a cat or dog it is possible to block their path using the use of a box, piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up within the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums listed here use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles with optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Bases

A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you have allergies or simply aren't able to manually empty the dustbin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of trash, which means they must be cleaned much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.

This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, such as iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base on your own, except if it's with your robot vacuum.

Aside from cutting down on the time you're spending cleaning the base, a self-emptying one can also help you save money on new dust bags and keep your home cleaner. Some bases come with separate filters that can be used to remove allergens. They may require to be cleaned frequently, based on the brand. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to ensure optimal performance.

Another aspect to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa) which provides a rough idea of the performance of the device. In general the greater the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should also come with features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is easy to understand. A well-written manual can assist you in learning the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't expensive. You should seek out the manual that provides guidelines for maintenance and setup as well as troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you should be able view the available settings and then set them by rooms, zones or floors. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands let you set virtual no-go zones as well as create customized cleaning plans. The best robots will let you save a cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time. Then, if you forget to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums however, their motors are efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they get to their base without the need to take them back. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery lifespan is perfect for the majority of homes and will give you enough time to tidy your entire apartment in one go.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum hoover vacuum needs to be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, particularly if you have a large home or pet hair on your floors. A self-emptying robotic Vacuum Bot can help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for its 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 particularly useful when you have tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. However, these mopping robots generally don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and often struggle with spills of liquid.

If you're looking for a robot that can both mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide an excellent value. Both robots come with a high degree of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots so they might not be able tackle your entire house on a single battery charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has high suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop or spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal vacuum for stairs or furniture but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are fantastic for saving time and effort, but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose one that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to empty the bin manually during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's an habit to not remember to sweep up and mop.

In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our top picks include extra features that can cut down the time needed to clean. Consider a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home, allowing it to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models allow you to set a timer and designate rooms 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 your home's layout and overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these premium features.

There are robot vacuums that will fit into any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features, it will cost more however, there are options for every budget robot vacuum.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one with intelligent mapping that can clean your washing board while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's WiFi-connected and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vacuum.

Read our guide on robotic vacuums and our guide to robotic mops for more tips. Make sure to look over our recommended shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery arrives on time.