Alissa Loyau

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison with the top-highest rated robot vacuum models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you 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 in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, but it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum cleaner top 10 (click through the up coming page) vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another solid option 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 also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot broom combinations, but it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot vacuum cleaner quiet 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 get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

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

Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot vacuum cleaner sale to enter. This is a great option if you have 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.