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 other small particles 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 up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. 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, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at 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. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some are capable of 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 they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
Another good option 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 be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
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 huge charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large 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 a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one go. Find robotvacuummops.com that has 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 effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions 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, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This has have reduced the number 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.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these machines, however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light to know where they are going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.