10 Life Lessons We Can Learn From Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot vacuum hoover vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app provides a 3D view of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

The best robot hoover option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 self vacuum near me-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation capabilities 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 useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best robot hoover value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one move. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly 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 an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these devices, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to map the space. Our best overall models and runners-up models do this. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

The models can be programmed to only utilize 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 however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.