Where Can You Find The Top Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Information?
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider 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 tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with 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 cover larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot works. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model 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 lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.
When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. vacuum deals are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This has have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these devices, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
robot vacuum cleaner best buy of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.