How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might 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 shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it last stopped, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a great option for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. Continued can exchange an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. 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 option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring you should look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these devices, however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to be able to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to visit. read more is helpful for those with small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.