How to Choose the best robot vacuum - a cool way to improve, Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best home vacuum cleaner ones are adept at cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, best robot vacuum but they can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you remote control vacuum cleaner the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with 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 also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing steps.

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can 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 to be used in the future for reference. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic remote vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great 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 has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptied and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one pass. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making 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 mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless robot vacuum or disposable bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances have 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.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and require some level of illumination to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.