How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of 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's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it works. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent 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 comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. robotic vacuum cleaner on sale features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to 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 powerful suction than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete the entire chore in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads 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. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.
Both the robovac and 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, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.