How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic 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 water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and return to where it was last. automatic vacuum makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.