How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle 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 at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a big 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 recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It 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 easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the task in one step. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example make use of the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. automated vacuum cleaner can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to see where they are moving. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.