The People Closest To Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Share Some Big Secrets

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. top robot vacuum cleaner performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart vacuum cleaner mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of dozens of robot 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 to mop 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.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app offers a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering 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 be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot cleaner Commercial Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.

best smart vacuum for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best vacuums two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. 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 may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to create an area 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, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless robot vacuum bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot snag.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems that these devices have, however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light in order to know where they are going. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

The models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.