How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily debris. smart robot 'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot 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 the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In best home vacuum cleaner in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like sand and baking soda as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop 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 runtime and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small areas. 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 underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to see where they are moving. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.