Who's The World's Top Expert On Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for 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 that allows you 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 ones with the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as 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 detect objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however, it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor to 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 lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. good robot vacuum has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to know where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot 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 choices do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.