How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic floor vacuums vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill 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.

The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-highest rated robot vacuum models. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as effective 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 its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one with a high rating for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean smart robot and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent 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, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home when you are away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs and its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best robot vacuum under 200 value among our top 5 Robot vacuum picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

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

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When you need 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 pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area where the vacuum can't go or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, top 5 Robot Vacuum these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot vacuum cleaner ebay to think it is in another room.

Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to go through our complete reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.