How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. robot vacuum cleaner sale are that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job 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 be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. robot vacuum cleaner for sale allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo 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 has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried 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 over to get rid of light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed 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 make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to see where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test, so be sure to review our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.