How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. 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 for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model 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 picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have 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 did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly 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 has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. 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, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light in order to see where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. 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, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option for those with pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.