How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.

The most expensive models 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 robovac Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed 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 as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app provides 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, it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum cleaner best buy vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as 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 more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best robot vacuums price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one step. Choose 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, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have 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 began adding sensors that could help them navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements decreased the amount 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.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and most need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot vacuum cleaners to think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This is a great option for those with pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of each model below before making your purchase.