Why Do So Many People Want To Know About Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot 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 dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a  robot vac uum with a high rating for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up 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. But they don't pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptied and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. 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 that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago,  robot vac uums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances 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 cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones did, and many of them require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

These models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may hinder 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 will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.