How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to 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 app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. vacuum deals don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors 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 top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one step. Choose one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robot incident.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is helpful if you have pets or small children. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.