The Most Common Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Mistake Every Beginning Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best User Makes
How to Choose the best robot vacuum cleaner (pop over here)
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best auto vacuum models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like those that have self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
best robot vacuums for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor that 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 switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to know where they are going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.