How to Choose
the Best Robot Vacuum CleanerRobot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large
self vacuum near me-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot with
smart robot 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 numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of dozens 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 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 get tripped up when climbing steps.
In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it does. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of 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 mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. 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 high-tech
automatic vacuum cleaner that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one go. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a
robot vacuum near me mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and used again.
Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then 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 rated robot vacuum for Small Spaces
These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements 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.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these machines however.