How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. auto vacuum are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been 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 also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it stopped last which makes it easier to clean larger areas. auto vacuum cleaner is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end 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 be stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.