Ten Robot Vacuum Cleaner Bests That Really Help You Live Better
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 are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot vacuum near me remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuum cleaners vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top robot vacuum models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best combo vacuum option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one Highest rated Robot vacuum vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't need 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 clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in 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. You can, for example make use of the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that their traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our best 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 use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on 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 can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.