How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The top models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses 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 numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent 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. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the 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 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
best automatic vacuum is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not 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 power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum 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. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require some level of illumination to see where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we've tested so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.