How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even mop your floor, but they can't climb up stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, Robot Vacuum cleaner best real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the 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 enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum bot has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This robot cleaner commercial is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum cleaner best vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and 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 loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you want a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system that can be set to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other mop/robot combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one pass. Look for one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the Robot Vacuum cleaner best falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive 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 went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have, however. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to know where they are moving. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the area. Our top pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.