How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you may 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 huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker 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 an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a good option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. 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 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
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 when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system that can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. best vacuums means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their 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 latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being capable of working in dark they can also 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 in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested and recommend that you review our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.