How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot 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 also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger spaces. 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 in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose one that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, 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 and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature 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 has a huge charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). 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 best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard 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 has a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
vacuum robot of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.