How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as 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 with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect 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 can also pause the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room cleaning robot labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it excels 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 its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

The best value robot vacuum option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its excellent navigation on carpets and floors, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister remote vacuum cleaner, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete the entire chore in one pass. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum cleaner vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid staircases 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 clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed and reused.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had 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 issues with these devices, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

The 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. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.