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Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a fantastic job of removing pet hair and other debris on hard floors and carpet. However, they leave a lot on baseboards and furniture.

Some models are operated using a smartphone app, while others require physical remotes. Certain models have advanced features like LiDAR navigation and floor plans that can be edited.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems to keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They also feature object-avoidance technology to detect toys, pet food, and other clutter that could get in the way or be sucked into the suction blades. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck under the couch or behind a bed.

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 accurately. They can also detect changes in your home, such as when you move furniture. This isn't something that every robot is equipped with, but it can significantly improve the performance and convenience of your new gadget.

A lot of the cheaper models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. These can work well in a variety of situations however they can get caught up in objects that are too close, such as lamp cords and shoes. The less expensive robots do not have the ability to learn from a missed obstacle, so you might have to set up digital keep-out zones in your home to keep out certain objects.

Even the best robot vacuums will get stuck on larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big, the robotic cleaner may not be capable of lifting it, and will be forced to push it across or around the edges of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. In the case of pets or cats, you might have to block their path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up in the app).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works in low and optimal 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 X1 OMNI, and OMNI robots. This technology is able to detect up to 30 types of obstacles in optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

A self-emptying base can be beneficial, especially if you suffer from allergies or aren't able to manually empty the dust bin of your robot vacuum at the end of every cleaning session. These bins can hold anything from 45 to 60 days worth of debris, so they must be cleaned much less frequently than the robot's onboard bin.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature, including the iRobot Roomba i3+ and i7+ models Shark's AI robotics, the Roborock S8, and several others. You'll have to purchase the self emptying base separately unless it is included in the robot.

Self-emptying bases not only save your time, but also money on dust bags. It also keeps your home clean. Based on the model the base comes with separate filters that can be used to capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out periodically. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

The suction power of a robot is another aspect to take into consideration. Although there is no standard power scale that all companies use however, some companies provide Pascal (Pa) levels to give an idea of the device's performance. Generally speaking, the more powerful the Pa rating, the more powerful the vacuum.

A good robot should come with features that are easy to use and a user's guide that is simple to read. A well-written manual will aid you in understanding the basics and help you troubleshoot common issues, which is crucial because these machines aren't cheap. You should seek out the manual that provides tips on maintenance setting up, troubleshooting and configuration. You should be able if you are using an application on mobile, to control the robot to look up the available options. You can then set them up by rooms, zones or even individual flooring surfaces. Some apps let you schedule specific cleaning sessions and even control the Robot Vacuum Mops using voice. A number of well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go areas. The top robots let you save a cleaning schedule and return to it whenever you want. If you forget to finish the task, the robot will continue where it left off.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums run for hours on a single charge. They also charge themselves and resume cleaning once they reach their home base, without needing to be there. In our tests, a battery's lifespan of 90-100 minutes is the ideal time for most households and will allow you to clean an entire house in one step.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum needs to be emptied after every few cleanings. This can be a difficult task, particularly if you have a large residence or pet hair on your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature lets the machine empty its own bin and wash and blow dries its filter after each use, ensuring that it's ready for its next session of vacuuming.

Many robot vacuums also come with a removable or built-in water tank that allows them to mop hard surfaces. This is particularly useful for tiled floors or hardwood floors that need some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. These mopping machines don't typically have the same suction as the traditional vacuum, and struggle to clean up liquid spills.

If you're looking for a machine that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one robot such as the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top options are both top-quality and provide excellent value. They both have a good amount of suction and come with a large self-emptying base station. They don't have the advanced navigation capabilities of our two top-rated robots, however, so they might not be able to tackle your entire home in one charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. 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 mop, sweep and spot clean your floors. The 11S is not an ideal 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 fantastic to save time and energy, but they require daily maintenance. Some models require less work than others. For example, choose a model that has a self-emptying base to cut down on the number of instances you need to manually empty the dustbin during cleaning runs. This feature is particularly useful if you have pets that shed a lot, or if you are prone to forgetting to mop or sweep.

In addition to regular features like suction and a rotating brush, most of our top picks have extras that help reduce cleanup time even further. Look into a multisurface cleaner that has a removable mopping mat that's easy to attach and stays in the right place, or a vacuum that uses LiDAR navigation to detect dirt areas around your home to clean them thoroughly.

Certain models allow you to set a schedule, designate rooms to be cleaned and utilize smart home voice assistants that 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 need to pay for these features.

You can find robot vacuums to fit any budget, ranging from the $100 ILife V3s Pro that can work on wood floors only to the $1,600 Roborock Q5Max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things, the more features you require the more expensive, but there are reliable options for every price level.

We have the best robotic vacuums for you, whether you need the basic bump and roll vac or one that has intelligent mapping that can clean your washing machine while you are away. This Black and Decker X40 has an excellent technology for avoiding objects, and can maneuver around toys and furniture without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings or remotely control the vacuum.

For more advice on selecting the best robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops and our buying guide for the best robotic vacs. Don't forget to check the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.