How to Choose Going At this website can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it does. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with 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 better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for 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 cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be dried, washed and reused.
The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less 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
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot incident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have, however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination to be able to see where they're going. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to create maps of the space. Our top models and runners-up models have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition to being capable of working in dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.
Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful when you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.