Could Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Be The Answer To Achieving 2024

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart 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 tried many robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

best buy robot vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best combo vacuum choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp 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 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best automatic vacuum cleaner value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

robot broom vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which 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 like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. You should consider one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the Robot sweeper to believe it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.