Everything You Need To Learn About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic floor vacuums vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app comes with a 3D representation 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 excels in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great 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 option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless robot vacuum or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
best robot cleaner for Small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuum cleaner reviews vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition 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 close to or on the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.
