How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self vacuum-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum under 200 Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with 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 likes robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing steps.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

best automatic vacuum cleaner for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and robot vacuum Cleaner best pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum black friday vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home when you are away. It can be set to only mop 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 very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best vacuum/mop combinations, but it does pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove light dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. 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 don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.

However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top 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, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.