How to Choose the best robot vacuum cleaner [
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A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The
best robot vacuum for the money robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with 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 point and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app provides the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out an empty bin for 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 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and 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 performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/
robot vacuum cleaner cheap combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one go. If you have floors that are mixed choose models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. 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 flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it much 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, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back
robot broom vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These advancements have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to map the area. Our best overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers 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 want to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test, so be sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.