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, light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products 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 dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with 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 resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 cheap robot vacuum vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be empty, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best robot vacuum value among our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete the entire chore in one pass. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum cleaner vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart robot navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. They can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually 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 back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top pick and runner-up models use this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

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

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.