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 are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins 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 that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. best affordable robot vacuum is also able to 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 comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like 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 for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with 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 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. They are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices, however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models do this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
They 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's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.