Alissa Loyau

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

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

best robot vacuum black friday Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot vacuum ebay that can take on stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has 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 acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top robot vacuum models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange a 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 simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small 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 run for weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum cleaner commercial vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to know where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot Vacuum cleaner best to visit. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.