How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard 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 good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
In comparison with 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 does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and 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 future use. It can also stop 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 comes with a 3D representation 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 such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. robot vacuum cleaner of models do a great job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. 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-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed choose a model 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 move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate 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 don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.