Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Bests That Really Change Your Life
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
robot vacuum cleaner best vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up 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 navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to tackle 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, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best vacuums choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time 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 charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be empty, and it has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best robot vacuum for large house choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent vacuum cleaner navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.
