How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best affordable robot vacuum ones are adept at picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, Robot Vacuum Hoover and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart robot vacuums mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used 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 steps.

Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, Robot Vacuum Hoover liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a slightly less impressive navigation system.

best combo vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum hoover (additional resources) vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a 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 run for weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and automatic hoover robot emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring 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 lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need 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 that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that could help them avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition 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. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could interfere with this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is a great option if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all of the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.