Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors as well as in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with apps for smartphones, however others require the use of a physical remote to operate. Some include advanced features like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and editable floor maps.

Object Avoidance

The top robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to stay clear of obstacles like cords, walls and furniture. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify toys, pet food and other items that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will help you save time by stopping your robot from becoming stuck under the sofa or behind a 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 precisely and precisely. They can also spot changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and ease of use of your new device.

The majority of cheaper models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. These can work well in most circumstances however, they can become entangled with objects that are too close like lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed and you may have to set up digital keep-out zones within your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large pet poop or chairs legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and may be forced to push them over or around the edges of the room. This can result in unsightly scratches on your floors. If it's a cat or dog you may have to block its path with an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the application).

The more advanced robotic vacuums in this list make use of object detection, which works in optimal and low-light conditions to determine what's right in the area in front of them. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology can identify more than 30 types of obstacles under optimal lighting conditions.

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 dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of each cleaning session. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they must be cleaned more frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.

This feature is available on several high-rated robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3+, i7+, Shark's AI Robot, the Roborock S8, among others. But, you'll need purchase the self-emptying base separately except if it's included with the robot vacuum.

Self-emptying bases will not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It will also keep your home cleaner. Depending on the brand, some bases have separate filters that are able to trap allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. It is recommended to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to ensure the highest performance.

Another thing to take into consideration is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. Although there isn't a universal power scale that all companies adhere to, some offer Pascal (Pa) levels to give you an idea of the robot's performance. In general the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

Also, a quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial since these machines aren't inexpensive. Look for a detailed manual that explains how to set up, maintenance and troubleshooting tips. You should be able when using a mobile application to control the robot, to see a list of available options. You can set them up in rooms, zones or even individual floors. Certain apps let you schedule specific cleaning times and even voice-command the machine. Several well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The best smart vacuum robots will allow you to save a cleaning plan and then return to it at any time. If you fail to complete the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums may not have the same power as upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. As such, the best robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without having to drag them back. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean your entire home in one go.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a tedious job, especially if you have a large home or a lot of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. A self-emptying robotic vacuum could help you avoid a lot of stress. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dust bin and clean and dry its filter after every use to ensure it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuum cleaner on sale vacuums also have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for floors that are tiled heavily or have hardwoods that need more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots typically don't have the same level of suction that a traditional vacuum does and are more prone to squishy with spills of liquid.

Consider a robot vac which can vacuum and mop at the same time, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer excellent value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction and come with a large, self-emptying station. They may not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our top-rated robots, therefore they might not be able to tackle your entire house with a single charge.

Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable reservoir for water, however, it has an excellent suction level (2,500 Pascals, or Pa) and can be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not a vacuum for furniture or stairs but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming sessions and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great for saving time and effort but they require regular maintenance. However, some models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying base to cut down on the number times you have to empty the bin manually during cleaning sessions. This feature is especially helpful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.

Many of our top picks come with additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place or a vacuum cleaner that uses LiDAR navigation to recognize dirt areas around your home so it can clean them thoroughly.

Some models let you create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and also use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can understand the layout of your house and navigate around obstacles, but you'll need to pay for these premium features.

Robot vacuums are available in various costs, from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro that can only be used on hardwood floors, to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpets and hardwoods. As with most things, if you want more features you will pay more but there are options to suit every budget.

Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washboard while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot Intelligent Vacuum Cleaner for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with an excellent technology for avoiding objects that allows it to move around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's equipped with wifi and works with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can program cleaning times and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, check out our comprehensive guide to robotic mops, as well as our buying guide to the best robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our recommended shipping cutoff dates to ensure your holiday delivery will arrive on time.