How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best robot vacuum deals models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

best self cleaning vacuum Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self vacuum-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

When compared 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 has an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot does its work. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

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

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose an automatic Vacuum cleaners vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, automatic Vacuum cleaners and pet hair. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests, and you can schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. 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 top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum cleaner review vacuum/mop combinations however it does pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the task in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and automatic Vacuum cleaners breaking your hardwood.

When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them 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 in the docking stations to save time. They can also be washed, dried and used again.

Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is a great option 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.