How to Choose the best robot floor cleaner vacuum cleaner, click for info,
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning robots sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange a cleaning bin for 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 that spin at 200 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line 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 without having to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning robots for home.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to get rid of light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This has reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination to be able to know where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them 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 close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the cheap robot vacuum cleaner to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.