How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or 79bo 1 noted power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

best robovac Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates 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 tried dozens robotic floor vacuums vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and best robot vacuums may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums robot/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to get 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 more 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 without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed choose models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch 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 an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. They can also be dried, washed and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors for Small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually 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 become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot snag.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is helpful if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.