How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot floor cleaner vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles, and self vacuum most allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot vacuum cleaner black friday with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped and makes it much easier to tackle larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app provides the 3D image of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation syse day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot vacuum cleaner comparison combinations however, it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one go. If you have mixed flooring you should look for one with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of 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, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot accident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are going. Consider getting one that has a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.