How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking to add more 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 reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing stairs.
When compared to 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 comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to 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 good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. budget robot vacuum can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's 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 through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark they can also 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 might hinder this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.