How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. robot vacuum cleaner cheap 'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid tangled fur and 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. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set 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 other mop/robot combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are great for 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 best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one pass. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and used again.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors don't solve all issues with these devices, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to know where they are going. Consider getting a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It's 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 think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.