Kristin Ampt

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot vacuum cleaner on sale Vacuum hoover - https://www.demilked.com/author/babiestoast1/ - is working. The app includes the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot vacuum cleaner price combinations however it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be dried, washed and used again.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example make use of the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the area. Our best overall model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.