You'll Never Be Able To Figure Out This Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best…
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot 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 tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets 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 stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot Vacuum cleaner best does its work. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is 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 is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors, as well as 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 you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
best robot vacuum for the money for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic floor scrubber snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues that these devices have, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and most require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot 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 tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets 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 stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot Vacuum cleaner best does its work. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is 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 is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors, as well as 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 you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.
best robot vacuum for the money for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic floor scrubber snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues that these devices have, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and most require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.