How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. robot vacuum cleaner on sale included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to get rid of light dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.