How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to clean larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined 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 the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. 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 does its work. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot automated vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum hoover vacuum and 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 encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot floor cleaner Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be programmed to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it does pick up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

best robot vacuum for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one step. If you have mixed flooring, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning robot price times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top 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 they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

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