How to Choose the best robot cleaning machine vacuum cleaner (they said)

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen 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 with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot 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 small particles such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best buy robot vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best automatic vacuum choice. You can exchange an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. 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 also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning 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 weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. 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 don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in 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 be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

The new sensors don't solve all issues that these devices have however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. You should consider one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our best overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

The models can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot vacuum cleaner industrial to go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.