Best Robot
vacuums robotThe top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. However, they leave a lot on the baseboards and furniture.
Many models can be controlled by apps for smartphones, however others rely on physical remotes for operation. Certain models come with advanced features like LiDAR navigation or editable floor plans.
Object Avoidance
The most effective robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that enable them to avoid obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also have technology to avoid objects that can identify toys, pet foods and other debris that could block the path of the machine or get taken up by the suction. These features will save you time cleaning by preventing your robot from slipping under the couch or behind the bed and making it able to complete its cleanup more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create the map of your home. This allows them to navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes to your living space, like the moment you move a piece of furniture. This isn't something every robot has, but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience the new gadget.
A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. They are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when obstacles are missed. You may have to create digital zones around your home to keep certain items from being thrown away.
Even the best robot vacuums will get caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. In the case of dogs or cats it is possible to block their path using a box, a piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to configure in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use objects detection to identify what is in the front of them even in dim lighting. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for example, have TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Self-emptying bases can be a useful feature, whether 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 gadgets can hold up to 60 days worth of trash. They need to be emptied less frequently than the robot's dustbin.
This feature is offered on a variety of top-rated robot vacuums, including iRobot Roomba i3+ Shark's AI
robot cleaner commercial, and the Roborock S8, among others. You'll have purchase the self-emptying base separately unless it's included in the robot.
Self-emptying bases will not just save you time, but also save you money on dust bags. It will also keep your home spotless. Some bases come with separate filters to capture allergens. These may need to cleaned regularly, based on the brand. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain optimal performance.
Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power that a robot is equipped with. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you a sense of the performance of the device. In general, the higher the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.
Finally, a good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's manual that is simple to read. A well-written manual can assist you in understanding the basics and help you solve problems that arise, which is essential as these machines aren't cheap. It is recommended to look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile application to control the robot, you'll be able to see the list of available settings and configure them according to rooms, zones or floors. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even command the robot using voice. Many well-known brands allow you to create customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time you wish. If you forget to finish the task, then 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 Value Robot Vacuum robot vacuums can run for several hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning once they have reached their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes and gives you enough time to clean your entire home in one step.
The typical dust bin on a robot vacuum will need to be empty every couple of cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to clean from your floors. This is why a self-emptying robot vacuum can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin and wash and dry its filter after every use so it is ready for the next vacuuming sessions.
Most robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially beneficial if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between your regular vacuuming sessions. Mopping robots do not typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to get rid of liquid spills.
If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, think about a one-stop combo robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer great value. They both have a good level of suction and come with a huge, self-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, therefore they won't be able to complete your entire house on one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. The model isn't equipped with an internal or removable water reservoir, but it does have an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't able to vacuum stairs or furniture but it's a great choice for keeping your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort but they require regular maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For instance, you can choose one with a self-emptying base to reduce the number of times you have to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly beneficial when your pet sheds a lot or have an habit to not remember to clean up and mop.
In addition to regular features like a rotating brush and suction and suction, many of our
top robot vacuum picks include extra features that can cut down cleaning time even more. You should consider a multi-surface vacuum with a removable mopping pad that's easy to attach and remains on well as well as a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, and reduces the time to thoroughly clean them.
Some models allow you to create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some have advanced software that can learn the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles but you'll have to pay for these features.
There are robot vacuums to fit any budget, from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5 Max+, which can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you require the more expensive however, there are dependable choices at any price point.
If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that 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 cleanings and remotely control the vac.
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 to the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check out our suggested shipping dates to ensure that your delivery for the holidays is on time.