How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner<br /><br />A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.<br /><br />The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.<br /><br />Best Overall<br /><br />The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.<br /><br />Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.<br /><br />In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.<br /><br />In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.<br /><br />While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.<br /><br />The best for Carpet<br /><br /><br /><br />If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.<br /><br />For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. 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 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.<br /><br />Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home 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 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.<br /><br />If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum &amp; Mop is a great alternative. It has a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.<br /><br />Best for Hard Floors<br /><br />Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. <a href="https://www.robotvacuummops.com/">www.robotvacuummops.com</a> are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.<br /><br />The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.<br /><br />If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.<br /><br />When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be washed, dried and used again.<br /><br />Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.<br /><br />Ideal for small Spaces<br /><br />These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.<br /><br />A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.<br /><br />However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to know where they are going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to create maps of the area. Our top model and the runners-up use this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.<br /><br />These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.<br /><br />A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.<br /><br />