How To Build A Successful Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Even If You're Not Business-Savvy

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot cleaner vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The most expensive models will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider a model that has 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 many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it last stopped, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

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

This robot is not as efficient in house cleaning robot as our top models, but it is a pro 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 less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuums and mops but it's 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 and not damage bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one move. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to get rid of light 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 can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and 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.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need 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 navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean smart robot up after a robotic incident.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

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

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.