Best Robot Vacuums

The top robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.

Some models can be operated via a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to avoid obstacles like furniture, walls and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that detect toys, pet foods and other items that could get in the way of the machine or get sucked up into the suction. These features will save you time by preventing your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or Best Robot Vacuum behind a bed.

Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of lasers and cameras to create an image of your home. This lets them navigate more accurately and precisely. They can also detect changes in your living space, such as if you move an item of furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot vacuum cleaner has, but it can make a huge difference to the performance and comfort of your new device.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on simple bump sensors to guide them throughout your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but they can easily get caught up in objects that are too close such as lamp cords and shoes. These robots are cheaper and don't have the ability to learn when an obstacle is missed. You may need to create digital zones around your home to keep certain objects from being thrown away.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums will get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop spills or chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and may be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, leaving ugly skid marks on your floors. If you have a dog or cat, you may need to block their path by using a furniture or box. Some robots even allow you to create a virtual barrier in the application.

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list utilize object detection in low and optimal light conditions to detect 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 more than 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

Self-emptying bases are an excellent feature, regardless of whether you suffer from allergies or don't have time to manually empty the robot vacuum's dustbin at the end of every cleaning session. They can hold betwr brands also allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create customized cleaning plans. The most effective robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, the robot will resume where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Although robot vacuums don't have the same power as full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specialized motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for a long time with a single battery charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their base, without you needing to join them. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90 to 100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and allows you to clean your entire apartment in one move.

The average dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleans. This can be a difficult job, especially if 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 help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature lets the vacuum empty its own trash bin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use, so that it is ready for the next session of vacuuming.

Most robot vacuums have an adjustable or built-in water tank which allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is especially useful if you have heavily tiled floors or hardwood floors that need a little extra 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 bagless robot vacuum which can vacuum and mop simultaneously, such as the Ecovacs T30S Combo Robot or the Shark IQ XL. Both of these top picks provide excellent performance and a an excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big, self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to complete your entire house on one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot vacuum sale. This inexpensive model doesn't have a built-in or removable water reservoir, but it does have a nice level of suction (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S isn't a vacuum designed for furniture or stairs, but it can be used to keep your floors looking clean between manual vacuuming and mopping.

Easy Maintenance

While robot vacuums can help you save time and effort, they also 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 times you have to empty the trash can manually during cleaning runs. This feature is especially useful when your pet sheds often or if it's a habit to forget to sweep up and mop.

Many of our top picks include additional features that help reduce the time needed to clean. They include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multi-surface cleaner that has a mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and holds well or a vacuum that has LiDAR navigation that detects dirt spots around your home, and can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

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

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro which works on hardwood floors only, to the $1,600 RoborockQ5 Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with everything else when you're looking for more features you will pay more however, there are options for every budget.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has outstanding object-avoidance technology that allows it to move around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's also equipped with WiFi and can be used with Alexa or Google Assistant so you can schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more tips on choosing the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.