How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates 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 acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app offers a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. 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, pick an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in 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 at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. best affordable robot vacuum don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one sweep. If you have mixed flooring choose models 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 switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or schedule 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, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition to being capable of working in dark they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.