How to Choose the best automatic Floor cleaner Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuum reviews vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it stopped last and makes it much easier to tackle larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the cheap robot vacuum cleaner does its work. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic floor cleaning machine vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the 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 floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that detects 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 a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. They are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when 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 decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the affordable robot vacuum to move, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.