How to Choose the best robot
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A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.
In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.
Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go over and up onto 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 to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.
The best choice for hardwood floors
Robot vacuums are the
best robot vacuum under 200 choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Choose one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.
When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning 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 disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than the 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 when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.
The new sensors don't solve all issues with these machines, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they are moving. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device placed on
top 10 robot vacuum cleaner of the model to map the space. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.
The models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.