10 Places Where You Can Find Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb up the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean 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, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms 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 easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. 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 included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose one that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. 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/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time 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 fantastic option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still manages to pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best robot vacuum deals option for hardwood floors since they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, reduce the spread of 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 controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
best automatic vacuum cleaner suited for small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them avoid household items that their traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These advances 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 cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
These models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.