How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may 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 tried several robotic vacuums, has been 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 fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs 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 you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did 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 floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one sweep. If you have mixed flooring, look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. self cleaning vacuum is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases 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 mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advances reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
These models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function, however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.