5 Lessons You Can Learn From 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 cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with 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 adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it is working. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
The highest rated robot vacuum isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces, 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 Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart robot-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
best home vacuum cleaner for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuum cleaner on sale vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to see where they are moving. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. 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 only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the highest Rated robot Vacuum believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.