Seven Reasons Why Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Is So Important

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can 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 reference. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, 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 to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying 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 for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

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

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

When  robot vacuum cleaners  comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler 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 also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these devices, however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

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