Who's The World's Top Expert On Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?
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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs 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 also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best robovac-rated models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
The best automatic vacuum cleaner option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum cleaner best vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 self vacuum-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. If you have mixed flooring you should look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in automatic floor cleaner texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it 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 designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs 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 also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best robovac-rated models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
The best automatic vacuum cleaner option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum cleaner best vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 self vacuum-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. If you have mixed flooring you should look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in automatic floor cleaner texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it 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 designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.
