Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.
The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your automatic floor cleaner but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.
best automatic vacuum cleaner Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing steps.
This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to clean larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop 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 the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.
This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a 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 flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of the top 10 robot vacuum cleaner (https://Wiki.gta-zona.ru/) canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one go. Find models that have an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic remote vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
best robovac for Small Spaces
Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.
However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to be able to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.