How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous budget robot vacuum vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most expensive robot vacuum conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can 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 use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to 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 drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
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, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor vacuum robot, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however, it does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic 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 upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring choose models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. They are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto vacuum Cleaner-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning robots for home session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them avoid household items that traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination in order to know where they are going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models do this. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
In addition being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.