7 Secrets About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best That Nobody Will Tell You
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app offers a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set up to mop only. robot vacuum deals were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that detects 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 flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these machines, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the space. Our top model and the runners-up do this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.