How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to 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 to be used in the future for reference. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, 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 items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. smart robot can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one move. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller areas. They 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 that larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues that these devices have, however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to be able to see where they're moving. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
In addition to being able to work in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.