How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. robot vacuum deals are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more advanced model, look into 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 smart mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring 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 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 features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to see where they are going. You should consider an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top pick and runner-up models use this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.