Which robot vacuum has the best reviews?

We spent 33 hours researching 32 robotic vacuums, including testing 2 in our lab. This testing helped us confirm our top picks.

Robotic vacuum cleaner prices

You will pay a premium for a robotic vacuum cleaner compared to a standard upright vacuum. However, the top choices featured on this page do vary in price.

Generally, the higher the price, the more cleaning power youll get out of your chosen device.

Pricier robotic vacuum cleaners tend to have better AI and excellent room-mapping abilities. Less-expensive robotic vacuum cleaners feature more basic cleaning options and may lack some of the scheduling features seen in top-shelf models.

When it comes to safety, you should treat a robotic vacuum just like you would a regular upright vacuum. If you get down to floor level to help the vacuum move along on its cleaning route, make sure your hair is pulled back and unable to get caught in the vacuum.

Potential cons of robotic vacuum cleaners

Though very convenient and useful, there are some potential downsides to robotic vacuums that you should be aware of before you buy one.

Price

Robotic vacuum cleaners are generally much more expensive than most upright vacuum cleaners.

Jams

Robotic vacuum cleaners can get stuck. Even the smartest models arent as smart as you are and can get stuck under sofas or get confused in a cluttered room.

Less power

Robotic vacuum cleaners lack the power of traditional vacuums. You simply cant get a super deep clean with a robotic vacuum. We recommend using it often in combination with a traditional vacuum for heavily soiled areas or on dense surfaces like shag carpeting.

Maintenance

They require more frequent emptying than do upright vacuums because they simply are not large in size. However, emptying the bin of a robotic vacuum cleaner is fairly simple you just need to do so regularly.

Tips

• Most robotic vacuums can get out of tight spots thanks to their intelligent sensors, but to make sure yours does not get trapped clear obstacles before you set it out to clean.

• Its a good idea to fully charge your new robotic vacuum before putting it to work on your floors.

• Read the included device manual carefully so you can put all of the neat features of your robotic vacuum to use.

• Remember to empty the bin of your robotic vacuum cleaner regularly.

• Youll also want to change the devices filter often to ensure allergens are kept to a minimum inside your home.

Check your expectations. Most robotic vacuums wont fully replace upright vacuums with large canisters. However, theyre great for providing a quick sweep between larger cleaning jobs.

FAQ

Q. Whats the advantage of a robotic vacuum cleaner over an upright vacuum?

A. The biggest advantage to having a robotic vacuum cleaner is that you can literally set it and forget it. These devices also tend to take up a lot less space, so theyre great for smaller homes or apartments.

Q. How does a robotic vacuum cleaner find its way around a room?

A. Robotic vacuums use different variations of mapping technology to navigate the inside of your home. Some common technologies include sensors, like the ones that alert your vacuuming robot that its encountered an obstacle. Some optical sensors allow the robotic vacuum to gauge its distance traveled. Many newer models actually use artificial intelligence to help them clean your space.

Q. Can a robotic vacuum cleaner find its way under furniture to clean those spaces?

A. That depends on whether the vacuum you choose can clear said furniture. If your couch is high enough off the ground, a robotic vacuum should have no problem getting beneath it to clean.

Q. What about corners? Can a robotic vacuum clean those areas?

A. This will depend heavily on the shape of the unit you choose. Special D-shaped units are specially designed to clean corners.

Q. What kind of maintenance should I expect with this kind of device?

A. Youll need to remember to empty the dustbin each time you use your robotic vacuum. Sometimes, the sensors on the vacuum will need to be cleaned off to ensure the robotic vacuum can continue to find its way around. Some vacuums will require you to clean out hair and debris that has become stuck or trapped inside. Filters will also need to be changed to ensure your vacuum continues to trap allergens.