How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as 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 for future use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can 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, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin 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 simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature 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 large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptied and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run for certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
robotvacuummops for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems that these devices have, however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser 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 visit. This is helpful when you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all of the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.