How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a self-cleaning robot vacuums with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried several robotic vacuums, has been recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. 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 clean larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best automatic vacuum cleaner choice for most expensive robot vacuum carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum cleaners vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. 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 rotations a minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed choose one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test so make sure to go through our complete reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.