How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and light debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
Compared to 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 huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating 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 while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring and carpets. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it does pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. self vacuum don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one step. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting 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 features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems that these devices have however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they're going. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models use this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near 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 the 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 will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful when you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.