How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular automated cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and automated vacuum refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing steps.

Compared to the top-rated models this black friday robot vacuum deals and Decker robot 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 a long battery life. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is a great choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less effective navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to clean 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 and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum deals to complete the task in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum robot that has intelligent vacuum cleaner navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone 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 collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, however you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These advances 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.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

These models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful when you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.