How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
best auto vacuum Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the
best amazon vacuum-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-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 for future reference. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a
automated vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent 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 Cleaner Best Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the
best self cleaning robot vacuum choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors don't solve all issues with these machines however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to know where they are going.