How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you 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 more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing stairs.

Compared 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 need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt 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 the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum cleaner best (www.td-Belarus.ru) Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations, but it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best automatic vacuum value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best automatic floor cleaner two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed choose a model with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. 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 floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot vacuum hoover mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save 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 utilize the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each house cleaning robot session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in a different room.

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