How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides a 3D representation 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 removing fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to get 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 to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be emptied and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of an entire task in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. They can also be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Get More Information for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins at end of 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 their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to know where they are going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to trace the space. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot 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 visit. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.