How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner<br /><br />A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.<br /><br />The most expensive models will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.<br /><br />Best Overall<br /><br />The best robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control it remotely.<br /><br />Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing stairs.<br /><br />This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. <a href="https://www.robotvacuummops.com/">vacuum robot</a> comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used and makes it much easier to cover larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.<br /><br />In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.<br /><br />Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.<br /><br />Best for Carpet<br /><br />If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.<br /><br />For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. 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 spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.<br /><br />The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.<br /><br />If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum &amp; Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the best value of our top choices.<br /><br />Best for Hard Flooring<br /><br />Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.<br /><br />The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one go. If you have mixed flooring you should look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.<br /><br />If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.<br /><br />When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.<br /><br />The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for example, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.<br /><br />Ideal for small Spaces<br /><br />Like the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.<br /><br />A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.<br /><br />However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. Consider getting a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to map the area. Our best overall models and runners-up models do this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.<br /><br />In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it is in another room.<br /><br />Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.<br /><br />