How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best budget robot vacuum models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

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

Best Overall

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

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and [Redirect Only] charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and 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 by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot vacuum cleaner ebay is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, thB9%D1%82%D0%B8&edit%5Busertype%5D=dj_openid&op=Log+In&edit%5Bform_id%5D=openid_login_form&edit%5Bopenid_url%5D=https://ucgp.jujuy.edu.ar/profile/mineappeal7/&op=%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B8&edit%5Busertype%5D=dj_openid&op=Log+In&edit%5Bform_id%5D=openid_login_form&edit%5Bopenid_url%5D=https://ucgp.jujuy.edu.ar/profile/mineappeal7/&op=%D0%92%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%82%D0%B8&edit%5Busertype%5D=dj_openid&op=Log+In&edit%5Bform_id%5D=openid_login_form">[empty] hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum cleaner amazon vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. They can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these devices, however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want 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 is in another room.

A few 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 useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.