How Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Became The Hottest Trend In 2024

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and 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 hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot 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 for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more 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 and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less effective navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt 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 is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting 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 avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner quiet - right here on Tianxiaputao, Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic floor cleaning machine emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot vacuum near me mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding 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 using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. 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 sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless robot vacuum or disposable bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate around and 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 robotic snag.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all of the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.