Five Reasons To Join An Online Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best Shop And 5 Reasons You Shouldn't

How to Choose the best robot vacuum cleaner [official website]

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still 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 tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuum cleaners vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The app provides the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get up and over furniture. 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 fantastic alternative. It has a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be empty and has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

The best automatic floor cleaner choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one pass. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and remote vacuum cleaner combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry 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, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has decreased the amount 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 haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models do this. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

In addition being able to work in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested, so be sure to read our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.