How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart vacuum mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, robot vacuum cleaner a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and robot vacuum cleaner then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles 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 pause the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up 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 aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to go up and over 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 more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one go. If you have mixed flooring choose models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to create a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all issues with these machines, however. The most affordable robot vacuum models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.