What Is It That Makes Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best So Famous?
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you 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 dozens of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. top robot vacuum likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot 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 fine debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well 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 were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities 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 hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete an entire task in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to get rid of light 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 mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies the robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of 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 getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.