A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for 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 big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as 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 use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring you should look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The 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 clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Consider getting one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot vacuum cleaner best go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.
