Why You Should Be Working With This Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the best value robot vacuum Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robot vacuum deals robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot works. The app includes 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, it is superior in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor vacuum robot surfaces as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech 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 emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister Remote Vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum deals combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these machines however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones did and most require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot vac think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.