How to Choose the Best Robot automated vacuum Cleaner

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

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self vacuum-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum cleaner best vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one step. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. They can also be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance, use the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has reduced the number 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 aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top rated robot vacuum of the model to trace the area. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in darkness 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, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.