How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. 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 the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

In comparison to the top robot vacuum cleaner-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last and makes it much easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets 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 and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app offers the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got a smart robot vacuums-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however, it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one step. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient self-cleaning robot vacuums automated vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the space. Our top model and the runners-up use this. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot vacuum cleaner best (please click the following web site) to enter. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.