5 Clarifications Regarding Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to automated cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most expensive robot vacuum features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing stairs.
Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to take care of larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.
The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. But they don't pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.
The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.
Another option that is worth considering 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 be set to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. 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 more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.
The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have mixed flooring choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.
The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Ideal for small Spaces
As the name implies the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.