How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. self vacuum are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a good job 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 may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go 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 for 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 go several weeks without having to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. If you have mixed flooring you should look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.