Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best's History History Of Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
When compared with auto vacuum cleaner -rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, 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 areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent 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 option. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptying and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which 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 mop pads can also be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to create an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
They can also 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 is still recommended to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.