Everything You Need To Learn About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic 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 water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning robots for home sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go 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 for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
robot floor cleaner vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one step. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition 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 like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule automatic cleaning robot sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that 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 suited for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to know where they are moving. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models do this. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.
