10 Locations Where You Can Find Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best affordable robot vacuum for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best floor vacuum robot choice. You can exchange an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best self cleaning vacuum value among our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
robot cleaner commercial vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried 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, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be dried, washed and reused.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies, these robots are best robot floor cleaner designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need 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 become stuck on or over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require 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 LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.
They 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 need to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you don't want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we've tested so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.
