How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you want a robot with extra features, 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 tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most expensive robot vacuum conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app includes the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, 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 or canister, and may miss dirt that owerful as other mop/robot combination models however, it does pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for urlku.info hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads are also able to be washed, dried and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

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

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light to see where they are going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

These models can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option for those with pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.