How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to clean larger spaces. robot vacuum cleaners is an excellent choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In budget robot vacuum , we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
budget robot vacuum isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some are capable of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. 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 is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
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 when you are away. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor to 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 transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting 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. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go 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 bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
As the name implies the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices, however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to know where they are moving. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to trace the space. Our top model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.