Ten Myths About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best That Don't Always Hold
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model equipped with 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 numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items 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 a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another good option 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 only mop and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however, it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot incident.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these devices, however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to see where they are moving. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. robot vac robotvacuummops to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.