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 do a great job picking up dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features 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 caught when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. best automatic vacuum cleaner does however have an ample 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 return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange an empty 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 that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can run for months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
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 in docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advancements reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these machines, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light to be able to know where they are moving. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models use this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being able to work in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.