Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Products That Can Change Your Life
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app includes the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose one that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of picking up heavier 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 be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations, but it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one sweep. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mops are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. robot vacuum cleaner for sale tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.