How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing steps.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and 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 for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
automatic vacuum is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well 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 liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to get rid of light dust and dirt. 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 mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are designed for smaller 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 be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually 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 around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to be able to see where they're moving. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models use this. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.