How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot vacuum sale vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.

When compared with 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. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best self cleaning vacuum option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum reviews vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic floor vacuums vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood 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 wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the remote vacuum cleaner will not enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these machines, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and most require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and 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 think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the models below before making your purchase.