How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. robot vacuum cleaner loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing stairs.
In comparison 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 has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it does. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home while you are away. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. 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 you don't have 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 debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has 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.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines, however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need some level of illumination to be able to see where they are moving. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our best overall model and the runners-up use this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
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 on or near the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend 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 when you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of each model below before making your purchase.