How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum cleaner cheap Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto vacuum cleaner (more about bbs.pku.edu.cn)-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

robot broom vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for example, use the app to designate areas 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 the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

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

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these machines, however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light in order to know where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.