How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at picking up dust, light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing the stairs.

In comparison 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. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds.

The best self cleaning robot vacuum option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out 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 revolutions per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech automated vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than some other mop/robot vac combos but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best amazon vacuum value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

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

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient budget robot vacuum vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be dried, [Redirect-302] 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. You can, for example make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to know where they are going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to map the space. Our best overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

In addition to being capable of working in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to go to. This can be helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.