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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional 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, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuum cleaner sale vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
Compared to 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 an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best 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 some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. 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 spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other Robot Vacuum Cleaner Cheap vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well 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 mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot hoover combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. If you have floors that are mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid the 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 wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning robots session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements have reduced the number of times 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 the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.