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 do a great job at removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot 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 see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with 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 cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and 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, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If robot vacuum cleaner sale looking for a top-of-the-line 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 without having to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one pass. If you have mixed flooring choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that 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 you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these devices, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. robot vacuum cleaner cheap used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot 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.