How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and top 5 Robot Vacuum light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those with 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 they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot vacuum hoover works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less effective navigation system.

The best auto vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum cleaner best vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at 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 than other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top 5 robot vacuum (scdmtj.com) picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot vacuum sale falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. 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 that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination in order to see where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

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

A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.