How to Choose robot vacuum cleaner will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to take care of larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid 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 an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select one with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of 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 to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great 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 emptied. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option if you have pets or small children. These features aren't included on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.