How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. If you want a robot with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with 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 don't fall when climbing stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as 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 for future references. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. 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 sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out an empty 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 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has 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 as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. robotic vacuum cleaner best can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
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 above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.