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. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and 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, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For Get More Information , you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did and most require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If read more reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.