How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum CleanerRobot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best cheap robot vacuum models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep 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 top robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking to add more 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 is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing stairs.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger spaces. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the Automatic floor Vacuum, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer 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 via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.
If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister automated vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. If you have mixed flooring choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination in order to know where they are moving. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to trace the area. Our top robot vacuum models and runners-up models do this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.