10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot vacuum sale that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.
The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used and makes it much easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is able to pause and resume the automated cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.
Best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out 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 simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in 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 vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good 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 only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.
If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got 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 as other mop/robot combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of a more complete chore in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum black friday vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago robotic floor vacuums, Click To See More, vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.
The new sensors aren't completely eliminating 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 be able to see where they're going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.
These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe 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 for those with pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all the models we've tested and recommend that you read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.