How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped and makes it much easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a 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 liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app provides the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but 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 effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the 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 weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one pass. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. They can also be dried, washed, and used again.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot accident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. click here to read used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This is a great option for those with small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.