How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application 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 features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop 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.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot vacuum cleaner best buy isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best self cleaning robot vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic floor vacuum emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have mixed flooring, look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain 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, so you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or robot Vacuum deals black Friday near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot vacuum deals black friday believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.