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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot cleaner amazon vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

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

best robot vacuum under 200 Overall

The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model 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 tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

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

This robot is not as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic floor vacuum vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum robot/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptying, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

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

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the 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 let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.