Why Is Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best So Popular?
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to take care of larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
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 when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. automated vacuum cleaner comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other mop/robot combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one step. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo 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 assist it in avoiding staircases 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 dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
In addition being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.