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 are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates 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 credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it last stopped, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to get over and up onto 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 high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (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 its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Find models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. best robot vacuums let it avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the space. Our top models and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.