How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, 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 features 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 times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for example make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older models faced and most require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This is a great option if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read robot vacuum cleaner for sale before making your choice.