Could Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Be The Key To Dealing With 2024?
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up 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 decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has 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 dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it works. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts 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 vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the 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 needing to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. 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 running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas 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 move. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. auto vacuum can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
The new sensors don't solve all issues that these devices have, however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to know where they are going. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our best overall models and runners-up models use this. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like 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 on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.