How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about 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 tried dozens of robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great 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 with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum (https://pattern-wiki.win/wiki/the_most_Prevalent_issues_in_robot_vac) with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzr/>Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum bot like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac can be 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 won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination in order to know where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be configured 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 interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room cleaning robot.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.