How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model 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 product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs 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 when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptied, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals 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.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
robot vacuum cleaner for sale are those that are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one go. If you have mixed flooring you should look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable pads 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 and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're moving. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map 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.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, though, as 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.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.