The Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Mistake That Every Newbie Makes
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best cheap robot vacuum models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you want a robot with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to 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 numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those with 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 detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-highest rated robot vacuum models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. 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 set to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum cleaner black friday vacuums and mops, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one sweep. If you have mixed flooring, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the robot cleaner falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means 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 suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.