Why Do So Many People Are Attracted To Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best?

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best affordable robot vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic floor scrubber vacuum/mop is the best robovac option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from 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 your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning 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 fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also features impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum cleaner sale vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are great in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older models faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.