How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about a model that has 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 prefers robovacs that have the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. 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 heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 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 remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one pass. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and used again.
The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the 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 with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices, however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to know where they are moving. 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 area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
see this here of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.