How Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Became The Hottest Trend Of 2024
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.
This robot vacuum cleaner best from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great option for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify 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 automatic floor vacuum plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. 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, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.
Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via 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 rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime 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 has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.
The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one sweep. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robotic mop and remote vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.
When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, automatic hoover robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the new sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to map the area. Our best overall model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
They can also 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 however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.
A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.