How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and light debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. 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 it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. 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 in your home, look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of a more complete chore in one go. Look for a model 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 allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. Going At this website are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements 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.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to know where they are going. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.