How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, but it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops 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 floor from becoming wet. You don't have 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 such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). 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 choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. 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 consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, auto vacuum has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these devices however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.