Seven Reasons Why Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Is Important
How to Choose the best robot vacuum cleaner - resources -
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot 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 numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also 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 robot cleaner option. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot broom vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic 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, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. If you have mixed flooring choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. 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, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to get rid of light dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don'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 can hold less garbage, and are 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. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have, however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they're going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors overall model and the runners-up use this. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.