How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. best robot hoover 'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it stopped last and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed 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 as well as detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
For carpeted homes 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 is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors 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, plus it can mop too. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts 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.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.