How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is great 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 less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models do a decent job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at 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 empty and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it does pick hair and pet hair extremely well. company website 's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and reused.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they are moving. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to trace the space. best robot hoover and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.