How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic accident.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. good robot vacuum -end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.