How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

cheap robot vacuum vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot vacuum cleaner sale remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing steps.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top rated robot vacuum choices.

Best for Hard Floors

robot vacuum cleaner ebay vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed, 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 your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These advances reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues that these devices have however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination in order to know where they are going. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our best overall pick and runner-up models use this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the cheap robot vacuum cleaner to go, which can be useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.