How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. 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 for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app offers the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well 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 loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have 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 most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid stairs 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 using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller 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 fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. More tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by 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 areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested so make sure to review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.