Alissa Loyau

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider an option that incorporates 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 tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as ones that have 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 trip up when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

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 great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor washing robot. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These advancements have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic vacuum cleaner on sale snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these devices, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot vacuum cleaner best (www.stoll-r.ru) to believe it's in another room cleaning robot.

Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.