Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best That Will Actually Help You Live Better
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. Additionally, 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 cover larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. robot vacuum cleaner best don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be empty and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have mixed flooring, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
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 dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robot incident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems that these devices have, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This is helpful if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.