How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might 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 reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and 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 larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. 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 automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
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 when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Choose models that have an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. best robot hoover comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. They can also be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive 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 back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them avoid household items that their traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.