How to Choose best affordable robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.
Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.
In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using 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 time and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less effective navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.
If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.
Best for Hard Flooring
Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice 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 go. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.
If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.
The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means 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 which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.
In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.
Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.