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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.


Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one step. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

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

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements 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.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. good robot vacuum with the same issues that the older ones faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our best overall pick and runner-up models use this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.

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