How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with smart robot vacuums mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. In addition, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum hoover vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner best, ambitious-emu-n4v0k3.mystrikingly.com, vacuum/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 carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature to stop the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot vacuum cleaner best buy combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. 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 lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to know where they are moving. You should consider an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

In addition being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.