5 Qualities People Are Looking For In Every Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best self cleaning vacuum models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the 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 keep up with daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart vacuum 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 tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a great option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. 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 is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

Best amazon vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in being close to carpets and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty, and it has impressive navigation skills and automatic floor cleaners emptying on carpets and floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance make use of 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 has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top 10 robot vacuum cleaner overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

They can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop 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 allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the self-cleaning robot vacuums to move, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.