How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider a model that has 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 vacuum cleaner deals vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an
automatic floor vacuum vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas 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 mops wet with circular pads that spin 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. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. 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 good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. 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 running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/
robot vacuum hoover combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
robot vacuum ebay vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an
Auto vacuum Cleaner-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins, that can store 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 bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago
self-cleaning robot vacuums vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to know where they are moving. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.