Seven Explanations On Why Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Is Important
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart robot mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum cleaner top 10 vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of 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 your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however, it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one move. If you have mixed flooring choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart vacuum navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for smaller 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 that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room cleaning robot.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.