best combo Vacuum Robot Vacuums

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

Some models can be operated via a smartphone application and others require physically operated remotes. Some models have advanced features, such as LiDAR navigation or floor maps that can be modified.

Object Avoidance

The best robot vacuums are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems which allow them to avoid obstacles such as walls, cords, and furniture. They also have object-avoidance technology to identify pets, toys, and other clutter that could get in the path or get caught in the suction blades. 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 or Samsung Jet Bot AI+ make use of cameras and lasers to create an outline map. This lets them navigate more precisely and accurately. They also can detect changes in your living space such as when you move furniture. This isn't a feature that every robot has but it can make an important difference to the performance and ease of use of the new gadget.

A majority of the less expensive models rely on basic bump sensors to guide them around your home. They are useful in a variety of situations, but can get stuck on objects that are too close to them, like shoes or lamp cords. The cheaper robots lack the capability to learn from an obstacle that was missed which is why you may need to set up digital keep-out zones within your home for specific objects.

Even the most powerful robot vacuums can be caught up on larger items such as large dog poop splatters or even chair legs. If the object is too big the robot may not be capable of lifting it and will likely be forced to push it across or around the edge of the room, causing unsightly skid marks on your floors. If it's dogs or cats it is possible to block its path with a box, a piece of furniture, or even a virtual barrier (which some robots allow to set up within the application).

The latest robotic vacuums mentioned here employ object detection to see what is in their path even in dim lighting. TrueDetect 3D obstacle-avoidance technology is available on the DEEBOT OMNI, the X1 OMNI and OMNI robots. This technology can identify up to 30 types of obstacles with optimal lighting conditions.

Self-Emptying Basses

If you suffer from allergies or don't have the time to manually empty a robot vacuum's dustbin after every cleaning session self-emptying bins are an option to look for. These units can hold up to 60 days' worth of debris. They must be emptied less often than the dustbin of the robot.

A number of top-rated robotic vacuums come with this feature such as iRobot's Roomba i3+ and i7+ models, Shark's AI robot vacuum cleaner comparison, the Roborock S8, and several others. However, you'll need to purchase the self-emptying base separately, unless it comes included with the robot vacuum cleaner comparison vacuum.

Self-emptying bases not just save your time, but also cost on dust bags. It also keeps your home spotless. Based on the manufacturer the base comes with separate filters that can capture allergens, however they will need to be cleaned out regularly. You should always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for filters and accessories to maintain the highest performance.

One other factor to consider is the amount of suction power a robot has. There isn't a standard power scale that is used by all companies, however some offer Pascal (Pa), which gives you an idea of how the robot performs. In general the more powerful the Pa rating the more powerful the vacuum.

A quality robot should come with features that are easy to use and an instruction manual that is easy to comprehend. A well-written manual can aid you in understanding the basics and troubleshoot common problems, which is essential since these machines aren't cheap. You should look for a manual that includes instructions on maintenance, setup and troubleshooting. If you're using an app on your mobile to control the robot, you'll be able view the list of available settings and configure them according to zones, rooms or individual flooring surfaces. Certain apps let you plan specific cleaning sessions and even voice-command the machine. A number of well-known brands allow you to make customized cleaning plans and set virtual no-go zones. The top robots let you save the cleaning schedule and come back to it at any time you wish. Then, if you forget to complete the task the robot will start where it started.

Long-Lasting Batteries

Robot vacuums might not have the same power of full-sized upright corded models or cordless stick vacuums, but their motors are energy efficient. This is why the top robot vacuums last for hours on a single charge. They can also recharge themselves and resume cleaning themselves when they are at their base, without having to drag them back. In our tests, we found that a 90 to 100-minute battery life is ideal for most homes and gives you enough time to thoroughly clean your whole apartment on one step.

The typical dust bin on robot vacuums will need to be cleaned every few cleans. This is a tedious task, especially when you have a large house or lots of pet hair and dander to remove from your floors. This is why self-emptying robot vacuums can save you some major frustration. This feature allows the machine to empty its own dustbin and even blow dry and wash its filter after each use, so it's ready for the next session of vacuuming.

The majority of robot vacuums have an ejector or built-in water tank, which allows them to clean hard surfaces. This is particularly beneficial if your floors are tiled heavily or have hardwood floors that require more attention between vacuuming sessions. However, these robots generally don't have the amount of suction as a traditional vacuum does and tend to struggle with spills of liquid.

If you want a robot that can also mop and vacuum, you should consider an all-in-one combo robot like the Ecovacs Deebot T30S Combo or the Shark IQ XL. These two top choices are both high-quality and offer an excellent value. Both robots have a high level of suction and come with a huge self-emptying station. They do not have the advanced navigation of our two top-rated robots, however, so they may not be able to tackle your entire home on a single charge.

Eufy 11S is another option for a hands-free mopping robot. This inexpensive model doesn't have an internal or removable water reservoir, however, it has an impressive suction level (2,500 Pascals (or Pa) and can be utilized to sweep, mop and spot clean your floors. The 11S doesn't have the ability to vacuum furniture or stairs however it's an excellent choice to keep your floors looking fresh in between mopping and vacuuming by hand.

Easy Maintenance

Robot vacuums are great to save time and effort, but they require constant maintenance. Some models require less work than others. Pick a model that comes with self-emptying bottoms to reduce the number of times you'll need to manually empty the bin when cleaning. This feature is particularly useful when you have pets that shed a lot or you tend to forget to sweep and mop.

In addition to the basic features such as suction and a rotating brush, the majority of our top picks come with additional features that will cut down cleanup time even further. Consider a multi-surface cleaner with mopping pads that are removable, easy to attach and holds well, or a vacuum with LiDAR navigation that can recognize dirt spots around your home, which is why it can be slowed down to thoroughly clean them.

Some models let you set a schedule and designate rooms to be cleaned, and use smart home voice assistants to control the vacuum with your voice. Certain models feature advanced software which can learn the layout of your home and help you overcome obstacles. However, you will have to pay a premium for these features.

Robot vacuums are available in a range of prices, ranging from $100 for the ILife V3s Pro, which only works on hardwood floors, up to $1,600 for the Roborock Q5 max+, which can mop and vacuum both hardwood floors and carpets. As with everything else that you purchase, if you require more features it will cost more but there are options for every budget.

If you're looking for an ordinary bump-and-roll vacuum or one with smart robot mapping that can clean your washing machine while you're on vacation, we've got the best robot vacuum for you. This Black and Decker X40 has excellent object-avoidance technology, maneuvering around furniture and toys without getting stuck. It's wireless-enabled and can work with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can use your phone to schedule cleanings and remotely control the vacuum.

For more information on how to choose the best robot vacuum cleaner robot vacuum, take a look at our comprehensive guide to robotic mops as well as our buying guide to the top robotic vacuums. Be sure to keep track of our suggested cutoff dates for shipping to ensure that your holiday gift is on time.