How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. robotic hoovers does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime 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 great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less suction power than some 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 picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
Click To See More are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. floor vacuum robot means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light to be able to be able to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being able to work in the dark they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.