How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

best robot hoover Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as 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 detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

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

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. 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. We liked its navigation on bare floors as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate at certain times 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 does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

automatic hoover robot vacuums are best robot vacuum under 200 for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid the 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, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests, these robots are best affordable robot vacuum designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This has decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, Room Cleaning Robot in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room cleaning robot (https://ambitious-emu-N4v0k3.mystrikingly.com/).

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.