How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. self cleaning vacuum is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. robot vacuum sale T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.