The Hidden Secrets Of Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self vacuum near me-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

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

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum robot/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Broom vacuum robot & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations however it does pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete the entire chore in one sweep. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed, dried and used again.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests the robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination in order to know where they are going. Consider getting an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to map the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only 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 can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.