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 light debris, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the 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 also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger homes. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect 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 is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange an empty 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 spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. 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. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. Learn Additional Here has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.