How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot 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 robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing steps.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using 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 moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. robotic vacuum cleaner can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one pass. If you have floors that are mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring 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 help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be washed, dried and used again.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they're going. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.