15 Things You've Never Known About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

Compared to the top 5 robot vacuum-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a 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 easily using this combination. It also has the ability 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 doing chores while it is working. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another solid option 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 be set to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring and carpets. 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 modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum black friday Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still good at picking up 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 can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one sweep. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these devices however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot vacuum cleaner sale to think it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot cleaning machine to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.