Seven Explanations On Why Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Is So Important
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robot vacuums robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill 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 steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets 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 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 does its work. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a remote vacuum cleaner (Keep Reading) that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright automatic vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one move. If you have mixed flooring, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's 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 your home is composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that their traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. This has have reduced the number of times 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 devices, however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to know where they are moving. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be programmed 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 cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.
