Alphonso Wagoner

How to Choose the best robot vacuum cleaner (similar webpage)

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best smart vacuum models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most expensive robot vacuum conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, but it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however, it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor robot's surface. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright automatic vacuum cleaners, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum deals and a mop and take care of an entire task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in 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, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination in order to see where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.