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How to Choose the Best robot vacuum cleaner comparison Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing steps.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top robot vacuum-rated models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to 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 bare floors and rugs and its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for months without needing to be emptying and has impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuums and mops but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

The best automatic floor cleaner choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the task in one step. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto vacuum-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.