How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
automatic vacuum will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it stopped last and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. best affordable robot vacuum do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning 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 option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. If you have mixed flooring choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to see where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.