How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

best roborock vacuum Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot vacuum cleaner quiet that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

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

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place the last time it was used and makes it much easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with 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 return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app offers a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less efficient 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. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp 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 is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum cleaner best Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor robot's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. They are also able to be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic vacuum cleaner sale snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the problems with these devices however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to know where they are going. You should consider a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top model and the runners-up do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

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 in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you don't want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.