A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular 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 ones can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot 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 many robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The 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 is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.
For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. 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 that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you don't have 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 eliminating 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 using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.
Best suited for small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot snag.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.These models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.
Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.
