How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
good robot vacuum is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. In best robot hoover , it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and 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 to be used in the future for reference. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and mop can be 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, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, however you will have 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 started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these machines however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, so be sure to review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.