How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app provides the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
top robot vacuum for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with 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 more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one step. If you have mixed flooring choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for example make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't included on all of the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.