The People Who Are Closest To Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Tell You Some Big Secrets
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic 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 fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing steps.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map 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 easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most 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, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
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 mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
best robot vacuum are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one move. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in 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 be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. This has decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.