How to Choose the best rated robot vacuum robot vacuum black friday Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

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

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and robotic vacuum cleaner comparison some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum deals black friday vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist 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 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be empty, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and robotic vacuum cleaner comparison children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have 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, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

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

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to be able to see where they're moving. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to create maps of the space. Our top model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

These models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.