How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. good robot vacuum are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They also 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 deep cleaning upholstery.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one sweep. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads 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 pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. They are also able to be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these machines, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones did, and many of them need a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our best overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. best robot hoover 'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.