How to Choose the
best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
best value robot vacuum Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at 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. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an Automatic vacuum (
https://www.graphicscience.jp:443/Edit/wiki/index.php?silvermanhenry133441) that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The
best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the
floor washing robot. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one move. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid stairs 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 in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, so 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, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of
the best robot vacuum cleaner problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.