How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner<br /><br />A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.<br /><br />The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.<br /><br /><br /><br />Best Overall<br /><br />The top robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to keep up with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.<br /><br />Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing stairs.<br /><br />This Black and Decker robot has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to cover larger spaces. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.<br /><br />In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. <a href="https://www.robotvacuummops.com/">www.robotvacuummops.com</a> is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.<br /><br />The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.<br /><br />The best for Carpet<br /><br />If you have carpeting, choose one with a high rating 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 do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.<br /><br />The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.<br /><br />The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.<br /><br />If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum &amp; Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.<br /><br />Best for Hard Flooring<br /><br />Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.<br /><br />The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.<br /><br />If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.<br /><br />The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.<br /><br />The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.<br /><br />Ideal for small Spaces<br /><br />Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.<br /><br />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 be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.<br /><br />The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.<br /><br />In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.<br /><br />A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.<br /><br />