How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as 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 such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent 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 fantastic option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best 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 surfaces that are not bare. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one pass. If you have floors that are mixed choose a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo 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. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads are also able to be washed, dried 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 that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This has reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, homepage solved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most require a certain amount light to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top models and runners-up models use this. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
url of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.