How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large 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 need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best option for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. click the following internet page comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. 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 can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop and take care of the entire chore in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed, look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots 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 intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and used again.
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 enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors don't solve all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced, and many of them need a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
The models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.