How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model 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 at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it last stopped and makes it much easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin 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 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well 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 with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech 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 having to be empty. 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 that can be set to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack 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 most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. They can also be dried, washed and used again.
Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. robotic vacuum cleaner sale means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller areas. 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 fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the 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. These advances reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and most need a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that could interfere with 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 a different room.
A few of the models we recommend let you 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. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.