5 Reasons To Consider Being An Online Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best And 5 Reasons To Not
How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner
A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.
The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most 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 recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.
When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. vacuum deals can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. vacuum deals has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app offers the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.
For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. 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 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the best price of our top picks.
Best for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one sweep. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. 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 floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.
The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually 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 can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.
However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top model and the runners-up do this. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.
The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.
A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.