How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily debris. robotic vacuum cleaner 'll want a robot 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 model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In best robot floor cleaner , it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it stopped last which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. 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.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.