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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for house cleaning robot and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets 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 using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning 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 months without needing to be emptied, and it has impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. They are also able to be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to create an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as 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 when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.