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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent 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 detect objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the self-cleaning robot vacuums works. The app offers a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. A lot of models do a great job of removing 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 fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out a automatic cleaning robot bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the floor 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 such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 self cleaning vacuum cleaner-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep automatic cleaning robot carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one move. If you have mixed flooring, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive 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 major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the self-cleaning robot vacuums to think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.