How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self vacuum-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuum cleaner reviews vacuums. She's a fan of the robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used and makes it much easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with 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 for future use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning as our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptied and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum robot to do a complete job in one step. Choose one that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

Like the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these machines however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

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

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.