The Story Behind Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Will Haunt You Forever!

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with intelligent 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 able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

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

This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean smart robot and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming 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 the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner amazon Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models however, it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one equipped 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 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 robot mop and vacuum deals like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top robot vacuum cleaner-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option for those with pets or small children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.