How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. robotic vacuum cleaner sale are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep 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 top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. smart vacuum cleaner 'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones 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 likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has 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 cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then 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.
Best for Small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the 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 higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements 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.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.
They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.