How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuum cleaner sale vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also 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 pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the buy robot vacuum cleaner works. The included app provides the 3D image 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 baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

The best 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 rug. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be set to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one go. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot Vacuum cleaner Best falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. 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. They are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to know where they are moving. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top 10 robot vacuum cleaner model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.