How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.

In comparison with 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 enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and [Redirect-302] food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best auto vacuum option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a moist 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 automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to get over and up onto 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 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 and not need to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum near me (Learn Additional) vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one sweep. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning robot price session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot vacuum cleaner sale to think it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.