You'll Be Unable To Guess Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best's Secrets

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger areas. 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 with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum robot that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models do a good robot vacuum job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best robot vacuum for the money option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the best self cleaning robot vacuum value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. If you have mixed flooring you should look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean smart robot hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these devices however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones did and most require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.