How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and Remote Vacuum Cleaner effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and spacious self vacuum-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model that uses smart 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 tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing the stairs.

Compared 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. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room cleaning robot labels and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. 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 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can last for several weeks without having to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic vacuum cleaner emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one move. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, think about an automated remote vacuum cleaner and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops are also able to be washed, dried and reused.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. 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 few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these machines however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did and most require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Look into a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.