How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. best rated robot vacuum offers an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. robotic vacuum cleaner best can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be set to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. robotic vacuum cleaner best let it 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 to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. 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 also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests the robots are best suited for small areas. 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 the bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the 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 traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark and 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. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.