Everything You Need To Learn About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best robot vac Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped 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 the robovacs with the most features such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with 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 drawback is that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may 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 option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best Combo Vacuum two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one go. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic remote vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and 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 that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuum near me vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional 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 vacuum cleaner snag.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark 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 when they're above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.
