How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum black friday vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and 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 with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets 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 time, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. 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 small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They don'es.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one sweep. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. 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 need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

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

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuum cleaner vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these devices however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.