This History Behind Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Can Haunt You Forever
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to remote control vacuum cleaner it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums robot, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 buy robot vacuum cleaner vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one move. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust 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 a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small 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 under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has reduced the number of times our testers had to Clean Smart robot up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.
