How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors–though they still can’t climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart robot mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we’ve tested that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You’ll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you’re looking for a robot with additional features, think about a model that has 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 numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She’s a fan of the 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 also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don’t fall when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn’t as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn’t require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning robots for home times and return to the spot where it stopped last which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four automatic floor cleaning machine (wamc1950.Com) plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn’t as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don’t pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. You don’t need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and eliminating 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 while you’re away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you’re looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum cleaner industrial Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they aren’t able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don’t need to worry 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 over to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don’t need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
best robot cleaner for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you’ll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
However, the new sensors haven’t resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of light to see where they’re going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You’ll still want to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it’s in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren’t offered on all the models we’ve tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.