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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job picking up dust and light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self cleaning vacuum-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing steps.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to cover larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning 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. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We loved its navigation on bare floors and carpets. 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 last for weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
best Roborock Vacuum for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable 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 move. Choose 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 move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent vacuum cleaner navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They can also be dried, washed, and reused.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these machines however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.