Best Robot Vacuums
The best robot vacuums do a great job of removing pet hair and other particles on hard floors and in carpet. They leave a lot of debris on furniture and baseboards.
Some models are operated via a smartphone application however others require a physical remote. Some models include advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor plans that can be edited.
Object Avoidance
The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that avoid obstacles like walls, furniture, and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys and other debris that could get in the way or get caught by the suction blades. These features will save you time cleaning by keeping your robot from getting stuck under the sofa or behind the bed, making it able to complete its assigned room cleaning more efficiently.
Some of the more advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet bot cleaner AI+, use cameras and lasers to create a map of your home. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something every robot has but it could make a significant difference in the performance and convenience your new device.
A lot of the less expensive models rely on simple sensors to help them navigate around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations but they can also get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamp cords or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the ability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.
Even the most efficient robot vacuums can be stuck on larger objects such as large pet poop or chair legs. If the object is too large the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will be forced to push it to the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If you have a cat or dog you may have to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow you to configure in the app).
The most advanced robotic vacuums featured below use object detection to see what is in the front of them, even in low-light conditions. The DEEBOT OMNI and the X1 OMNI robots, for instance include TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can sense up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.
Self-Emptying Bases
Whether you have allergies or simply don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are an excellent feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they need to be emptied more frequently than the robot's onboard bin.
A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including iRobot's 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's included in your robot floor cleaner.
Apart from decreasing the amount of time you spend on cleaning bases that self-empty can also save money on new dust bags and help keep your home clean. Depending on the brand certain bases come with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, but they may require cleaning frequently. Always make use of the recommended filters by the manufacturer and accessories to maintain the highest performance.
One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot can draw from. There is no standard power scale used by all companies, but some provide Pascal (Pa) which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. Generally speaking, the higher the Pa rating the stronger the vacuum.
A quality robot should have features that are easy to use, as well as a user's guide that is simple to follow. A well-written manual can help you learn about the basics and solve issues, which is crucial as these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out a manual that includes guidelines for maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using a mobile app to control the robot, you should be able to view the list of available settings and then set them according to zones, rooms or individual floors. Certain apps allow you to plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A few of the top brands allow you to create virtual no-go zones and create custom cleaning plans. The most effective robots allow you to save a cleaning schedule and then return to it at any time. If you don't finish the task, then the robot will resume where it left off.
Long-Lasting Batteries
While robot vacuums don't have the same power as the full-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can last for hours on a single charge of batteries. They also recharge themselves and resume cleaning automatically when they get to their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, a battery life of 90-100 minutes is ideal for most households and will allow you to clean the entire house in one step.
The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be emptied every few cleanings. This is a tedious 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 save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and wash and dry its filter after every use, so that it is ready for the next cleaning session.
The majority of robot vacuums have a built-in or removable water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is particularly useful if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction power as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.
If you want a robot that can both mop and vacuum, think about an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top picks are both high-quality and offer excellent value. They both have a decent amount of suction and come with a big self cleaning vacuum-emptying base station. They do not have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, though, so they might not be able to take on your entire home in one charge.
Another alternative for a hands-free cleaning robot is the Eufy 11S. This inexpensive model does not include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it does have a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs but it's an excellent choice to keep your floors clean between mopping and vacuuming sessions.
Easy Maintenance
Robot vacuums are fantastic to save time and effort but they require constant maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, you can choose a model with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number times you have to empty the trash can manually when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for pet owners who shed a lot, or if you tend to forget to sweep and mop.
Many of our top picks come with additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Think about a multisurface cleaner which comes with a mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in place as well as a vacuum that makes use of LiDAR navigation to identify dirt areas around your home, allowing it to remove them completely.
Some models allow you to create a cleaning schedule and also designate the rooms that need to be cleaned, and even use voice assistants for smart homes to control the vacuum with your voice. Some models come with advanced software that can recognize the layout of your home and navigate around obstacles but you'll need 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 Roborock Q5Max+ that can mop and vacuum both carpeting and hardwoods. As with most things, the more features you'd like, the higher the price, but there are reliable options at every price range.
Whether you just need a basic bump-and-roll vac or a smart-mapping model that can clean your washing machine while you're away, we have the ideal robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver around toys and furniture and not get stuck. It's wifi-equipped and works with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your smartphone to schedule cleaning times or remotely control the vac.
For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum, read our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacuums. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.