How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If Check This Out looking for 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, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features like those 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 they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to take care of larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app offers the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. robot cleaner has a clever mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices, however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination in order to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.