How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates 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 tested several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
robotic vacuum cleaners from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin to 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 automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at 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 navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
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 get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and 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 areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. This has reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to know where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot 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 to. This is a great option when you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.