How to Choose the Best
robot vacuum cleaner review Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an
automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with 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 they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off 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.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1
robot vacuum cleaner amazon Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be empty, and it has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister
automatic vacuum cleaners, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. They are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
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 create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able 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 bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light in order to see where they are moving. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful when you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.