The Secret Secrets Of Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
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 stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to pause and resume automated cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations, but it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum deals with a mop to do a complete job in one step. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be washed, dried and reused.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuum Cleaner deals vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top 5 robot vacuum of the model to create maps of the area. Our top models and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.
In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.
