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 do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of 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 recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
When compared to 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 does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to clean 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 in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop 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 app provides the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. 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 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs 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 be set to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature 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 comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.
Full Document and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. top rated robot vacuum are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This has decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.