How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you want a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuum cleaner comparison vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.

When compared with the top robot vacuum-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger homes. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen 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 stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot works. The app provides the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this budget robot vacuum can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several are capable of 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 self Cleaning Vacuum option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on bare floors and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum deals that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot remote vacuum cleaner & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptying, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it can mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms and plan specific cleaning times. 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, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advancements reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these machines however. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require some level of illumination to see where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices 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 they can also be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers 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 let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This can be helpful if you have pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.