How to Choose the best robot floor cleaner Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it stopped last and makes it much easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

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

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. It is possible to swap out 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 at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptied and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor washing robot texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic Vacuum cleaner Deals accident.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

The models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot vacuum sale to believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.