How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested 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 fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to tackle 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, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. self cleaning vacuum do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have mixed flooring, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
self cleaning vacuum is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove 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 mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need 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 could become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test, so be sure to review our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.