How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can 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 the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and easy to use and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuum cleaners vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can 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 navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it does. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

The robot 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 debris such as sand. Its only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best auto vacuum option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are good at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum black friday vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

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 mop only and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb up and over furniture. 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 vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner for sale Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can run for weeks without needing to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart robot mapping system that can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum to complete a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring choose one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried 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, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best suited for automated vacuum small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models use this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

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

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.