How to Choose the best floor vacuum robot Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb 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 is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum cleaner top 10 vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped and makes it much easier to clean larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

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

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

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum robot that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models on than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and remote vacuum cleaner combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or plan specific automated cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.