How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep 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 to cope with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability 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 credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device 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 fantastic alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuums and mops but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When self vacuum comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and the 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 areas that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made 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 than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top models and runners-up models use this. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.