How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you 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 fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it stopped last, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. vacuum deals is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
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 huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors 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 smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding 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 wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and used again.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. auto vacuum cleaner have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advancements decreased the amount of times 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 solved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they are moving. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models use this. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.