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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model 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 reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. automated vacuum cleaner Robot Vacuum Mops prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so 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 has a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up 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, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

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

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.

If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptied, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister 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 go. If you have floors that are mixed choose one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.


The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advances reduced the number of times that 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 most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top models and runners-up models use this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.

Member since: Monday, December 16, 2024

Website: https://www.robotvacuummops.com/