How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuum cleaner best vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuum cleaner deals vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last and makes it much easier to clean larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum cleaner industrial vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of 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 your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum ebay vacuum/mop combinations however it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable robot vacuum price of our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one step. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo 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 also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

Like the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

These models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot vacuum sale to enter. This can be helpful when you have pets or children who are small. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test and recommend that you read our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.