How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum CleanerRobot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used 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.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well 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 bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust 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 mostly composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Deals vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the 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 let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we've tested and recommend that you read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.
