How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has adequate pick-up power on carpets. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

Compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of removing 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. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home when you are away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain hours (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 choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister remote vacuum cleaner, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a automated vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for automated vacuum models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. 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 composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need 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, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up an area where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, 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 underwent an important change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the new sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to know where they are moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top robot vacuum overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful for those with small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.