How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-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 robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the most popular models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. In addition, it has 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 cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

While this robot vacuum cleaner can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-uping

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to create maps of the space. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

The models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.

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