How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable 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 surfaces that are not bare. They are great in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning 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 the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one go. If robot vacuum cleaner best have mixed flooring, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition 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 combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases 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 just wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.