How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren’t able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. You’ll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. 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 dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She’s a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won’t trip up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn’t able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it can’t mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They can’t take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don’t need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/good robot vacuum combination models however, it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It’s also the highest price of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don’t have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they’re not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best robot cleaner two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one pass. Find models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor’s texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum cleaner black friday vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need 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. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don’t need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models however, you’ll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors aren’t solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they’re going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You’ll still want to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it’s in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don’t wish the robot to visit. This is helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren’t on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.