How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of 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's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid 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 also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot works. The app offers a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. 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 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be empty and has impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. best affordable robot vacuum has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however, it still manages to pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. Choose one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. robot vacuum sale means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to create maps of the area. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in the dark 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 on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.