How to Choose the best automatic vacuum robot vacuum cleaner (Read More Listed here)

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

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart vacuum cleaner mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

best floor vacuum robot Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic floor vacuums vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app includes the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters 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 superior to other robot vacuum deals/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one sweep. Choose one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a no-go 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 sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. 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 aren't able to reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

The models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on 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 may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.