How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots 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 power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The included app provides an interactive 3D model 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 small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering 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 up to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one pass. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. link allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won'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 that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. more info have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.