Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Bests That Really Help You Live Better
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best robot floor cleaner models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing stairs.
In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose one with a high rating for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. 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 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time 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 great option. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and automatic vacuum emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart vacuum mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors (he has a good point) option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum cleaner industrial vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic accident.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test, so be sure to review our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.