How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as 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 able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one go. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. 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 floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For their website , you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Look into good robot vacuum that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to move, 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 making your choice.