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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle 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 mop your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top 10 robot vacuum cleaner robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart vacuum mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with self vacuum-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. 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 with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty 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 at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these machines however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to know where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.