How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
robot vacuum near me vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those with self vacuum-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.
If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are great for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. 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, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning robots for home sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.
However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in a different room.
A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.