How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you want a robot with additional features, think about a model that has smart vacuum mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip 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 score for navigation is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning robots sessions and return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean smart robot as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less impressive navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot cleaner vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptied and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during 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, but it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot hoover mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. 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 piece of pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to know where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.