How to Choose the Best robot vacuum cleaner on sale Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. top robot vacuum performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The most expensive models will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robot vacuum cleaner robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum has less 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. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum cleaner best Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one sweep. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding 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 mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your 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 by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. This has reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all issues with these machines however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.