How Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Became The Hottest Trend In 2024
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best budget robot vacuum option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
best robot vacuum for the money for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto Vacuum cleaner-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.
