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 cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous 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 water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a great option for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled 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 with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
robot cleaner is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using 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 rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister 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 the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. 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 damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older models faced, and many of them need a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're 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, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.