How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with 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 robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and used again.
robotic vacuum cleaners and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to know where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are on 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 LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.