How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The most expensive models will even sweep your automatic floor cleaner however they're not able to climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot cleaner that can handle stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most expensive robot vacuum conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the top-rated models. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped and makes it much easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

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

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it cannot mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home while you are away. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.

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 has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a clever mapping system and can be set to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

best robot vacuum for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

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

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

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for [Redirect Only] Small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need some level of illumination to see where they are going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top robot vacuum cleaner to map the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition to being able to work in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to go to. This is helpful for those with pets or children who are small. These features aren't included on all of the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.