How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient, 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 that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which 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 spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards 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 dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. floor vacuum robot began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light to see where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.