How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums , is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In top rated robot vacuum tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to 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 later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. read more do a decent job of picking up 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 aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one pass. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This has decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to see where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.