CARVIS.KR

How to Choose the Best robot vacuum cleaner (Poly Ren wrote)

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates 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 numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.

This Black and Decker robot vacuum cleaner comparison has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp 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 automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a advanced model, look into 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 capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations however, it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

robot vacuum cleaners vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop and take care of an entire task in one sweep. Find models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor robot texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated cleaning vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent 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 be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them clean to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which 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.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they're moving. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot vacuum cleaner best to move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.