The Reasons You'll Want To Learn More About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll want a Robot Vacuum Cleaner comparison with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vac Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot vacuum cleaner amazon combinations however it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one go. Choose one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic 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. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot cleaner plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused 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 dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone where the automatic vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could 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 robot incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did, and many of them require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models use this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

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

A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.