How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. 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 it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. 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 rotations a minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rug. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or plan specific cleaning times. 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, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to know where they are moving. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. best robot vacuum used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.