How to Choose the best rated robot vacuum Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like those that have self cleaning vacuum cleaner-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and self cleaning vacuum cleaner food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined 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 stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It 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 superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set up to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 automatic hoover robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are fantastic at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of the top 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 the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light in order to know where they are moving. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

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