Best Robot Vacuums

The best robot vacuums do a great job of picking up pet hair and other particles on hard floors as well as in carpet. However, they leave a lot on furniture and baseboards.

Many models can be controlled with a smartphone app, but others require physical remotes for operation. Some models have advanced features, like LiDAR navigation, for instance, and floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuum black friday robot vacuums have sophisticated navigation systems that can keep away obstacles such as walls, furniture and cords. They are equipped with object-avoidance technology that can identify food items, toys, and other clutter which could block the path of the machine, or be caught up in the suction. These features will save you time by making sure that your robot is not stuck in the sofa or behind a bed.

Some of the most advanced robots, such as the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and Samsung Jet Bot AI+ utilize lasers and cameras to create an image 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 can make a huge distinction in the performance and ease of use of your new appliance.

Many of the cheaper models rely on simple sensors to guide them around your home. They can be useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like lamps or shoes. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed, so you might have to create digital keep-out zones in your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can get caught up in larger objects such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. The robot vacuum will not be able to lift large objects and could be forced to push them to the edges of the room. This could leave ugly flooring with sludge. If you have a cat or dog you may have to block their path using an object, such as a box or piece of furniture, or a virtual barrier (which certain robots allow you to configure in the application).

The most advanced robotic vacuums on this list use object detection that works under low and optimal lighting conditions to determine what's right in front of them. The DEEBOT OMNI and X1 OMNI robots, for instance are equipped with TrueDetect 3D obstacle avoidance that can detect up to 30 different types of obstacles in optimal lighting.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or simply don't have time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session, self-emptying bins are a convenient feature to look for. They can hold between 45 to 60 days of debris, so they should be emptied much less frequently than the onboard bin of the robot.

Several top-rated robotic vacuums have this feature, including the iRobot where it began.

Long-Lasting Batteries

While robot vacuums don't have the same power as fully-sized corded upright or cordless stick models, their specially-designed motors are designed to be energy efficient. The best robot vacuums can run for several hours with a single battery charge. They also recharge themselves and begin cleaning automatically once they reach their base without the need to take them back to their base. In our tests, we found that a 90-100-minute battery life is ideal for the majority of homes, and will provide enough time to tidy your entire home in one move.

The dust bin of a robot vacuum should be cleaned out after every couple of cleanings. This can be a daunting task, especially if have a large residence or Best Robot Vacuum a lot of pet hair on your floors. This is where self-emptying robot vacuums can help you avoid a lot of frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin, and even clean and dry its filter after each use to ensure it is ready for its next session of vacuuming.

The majority of robot vacuums come with a removable or built-in water tank that lets them clean your hard surfaces. This is especially useful for tiled or hardwood floors that require some extra attention between regular vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the same level of suction that traditional vacuums have and tend to struggle with liquid spills.

If you're looking for a robot 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 picks are both top-quality and provide great value. Both models are equipped with high levels of suction and have a large self-emptying station. They don't have the sophisticated navigation of our two top-rated robots, and therefore they won't be able to take on your entire house on one charge.

Another option for a hands-free mopping robot vacuum price is the Eufy 11S. The cheapest model doesn't include a removable or integrated water reservoir. However, it has a good level of suction (2,500 Pa) and is able to be used to mop, sweep and spot clean your floor. The 11S can't 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 for reducing time and energy, but they require regular maintenance. Certain models require less effort than others. For instance, select an item with a self-emptying bin to cut down on the number instances you need to manually empty the dustbin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when your pet sheds often, or if it's a habit to forget to clean up and mop.

The majority of our top picks have additional features that reduce the time needed to clean. These include rotating brushes and suction. Consider a multisurface cleaner that includes a mopping mat that is easy to attach and remains in the right place, or a vacuum that utilizes LiDAR navigation to detect dirt spots in your home, allowing it to remove them completely.

Some models let you create a cleaning schedule, designate the rooms to be cleaned, and use voice assistants for smart homes to control the automated vacuum cleaner with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you navigate around obstacles. However, you will be required to pay for these features.

There are robot broom 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 hardwood floors and carpets. Like most things that you purchase, if you require more features you will pay more but there are options for every budget.

We have the best robot vacuums for you, whether you require a basic bump and roll vac or one with smart mapping that can wash your laundry while you're away. This Black and Decker X40 is equipped with a top-quality object-avoidance technology, allowing it to maneuver between furniture and toys and not get stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work 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 as well as our buying guide for the best robotic vacuum cleaner vacs. And don't miss the cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift will arrive on time.