How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing the stairs.
When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot 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 a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt 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 mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum &