Aja Angwin

How to Choose the best rated robot vacuum Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our Top 5 Robot vacuum-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every 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.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum cleaner best buy vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. 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 choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one pass. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for a model 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 transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum 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. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

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 are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to see where they are going. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models use this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested and recommend that you review our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.