How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses
smart robot vacuums mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot
remote vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The included app provides a 3D representation 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 but it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the
best robot vacuum black friday choice. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. 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 more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking to buy 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 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 system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one sweep. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum,
pravo-week.ru, and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned 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. For instance you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot 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 into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do.