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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 getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with 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 several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it is working. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

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

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptied and boasts impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run during certain times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of an entire task in one pass. Find one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot floor cleaner falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. This has reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to create maps of the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models use this. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

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