How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles 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 to be used in the future for use. best affordable robot vacuum can also pause the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, but 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 in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on 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 want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other 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 two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots 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 comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and 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 zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. robot vacuum sale with the same obstacles that the older ones did and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.