How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home even when you're away. click here for info can be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. check these guys out have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
These models can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.