How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A
robot broom vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job of removing dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider 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 dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the
best vacuums-rated models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent 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 with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app offers the 3D image of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out 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 rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
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 without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other
robot cleaner vacuums and mops, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient
robot floor cleaner vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads 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, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments 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 traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot vacuum cleaner best (
https://scorcher.ru/autorization/remember.php?from_page=https://www.robotvacuummops.com) accident.
The new sensors don't solve all issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the area.