How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with 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 dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last and makes it much easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops 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 time and return to where it stopped 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 advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (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 hair and pet hair extremely well. robot vacuum deals 's also the highest value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an 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 the entire chore in one pass. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor 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 floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. automatic vacuum can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models use this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
The models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but 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 could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.