How to Choose the Best robot cleaning machine Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

best combo vacuum Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a cheap Robot Vacuum cleaner with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.

Compared to 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 does however have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less effective navigation system.

The best robot vacuum under 200 option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a automatic cleaning robot bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptied and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of an entire task in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. They are also able to be washed, dried and used again.

Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

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

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.