Best Robot Vacuums
The top robot vacuums are great at picking up dust, pet hair and other debris from hard floors and carpets. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models can be operated using a smartphone app, while others require physical remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or editable floor maps.
Object Avoidance
The top robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as cords, walls, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to recognize pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. These features can save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck in the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ use lasers and cameras to create a map. This allows them to navigate more precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make a huge distinction in the performance and comfort of your new appliance.
A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them through your home. They can be useful in many situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, such as lamp cords or shoes. These robots are also less expensive and don't have the capability of learning when obstacles are missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects such as large pet poop or chairs legs. If the object is too big the robot cleaner might not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it to the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have pets or cats you may have to block their path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to set up in the app).
The more advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to see what's in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can detect up to 30 kinds of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or do not have the time to manually empty the dust bin of a robot vacuum after each cleaning session, a self-emptying base is an option to look for. These gadgets can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They should be cleaned less frequently than the dustbin on the robot.
Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it comes included with the robot vacuum.
A self-emptying base will not only save you time, but also cost on dust bags. It will also help keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand the base comes with separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will require cleaning regularly. It is recommended to use the manufacturer's recommended filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies adhere to, some provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the machine's performance. In general the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should have easy-to-use features and a user's guide that's easy to understand. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and resolve common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't inexpensive. Find a comprehensive manual that covers setup as well as maintenance and troubleshooting techniques. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to view a list of all available settings and then set them according to rooms, zones or flooring surfaces. Certain apps allow you to schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the robot by voice. A number of popular brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save your cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you like. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will continue where it began.
Long-Lasting Batteries
Robot vacuums may not have the power as the larger upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuum mops vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning when they reach their destination, without needing to be there. In our tests, we discovered that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to thoroughly clean your entire home in one go.
The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be empty every couple of cleanings. This is a time-consuming task, especially when you have a big home or lots of pet hair and dander that you need to get rid of from your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can save you a lot of stress. This feature lets the machine empty its own dustbin and blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.
The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them mop hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial when your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping robots don't usually have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
Consider a robot which can vacuum and mop simultaneously such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top choices offer excellent performance and an excellent value. Both models have a high level of suction, and both come with a huge self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigational capabilities of our top-rated robots therefore they might not be able tackle the entire house on a single battery charge.
Eufy 11S is another option for a hands free mopping robot. The model isn't equipped with an integrated or removable water reservoir but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great for reducing time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot, or if it's the norm to not sweep up and mop.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that can cut down on cleaning time. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can detect dirt spots in your home, and slows down to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to create a cleaning schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum using your voice. Certain models feature advanced software that can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you'll be charged a premium for these features.
There are robot vacuums that fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum carpeting and hardwoods. Like everything else the more features you'd like, the higher the price, but there are reliable choices at any price point.
Whether you just need an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're away, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology which allows it to move around furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.
For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Make sure to look over our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your holiday delivery is on time.