Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best That Will Improve Your Life
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. And, 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 at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like 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 navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs 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 cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot automated vacuum cleaner & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
Best Self Cleaning Vacuum for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. 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 floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to get rid of light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies the robots are best rated robot vacuum designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older models faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to create maps of the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
The models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.
