How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best value robot vacuum ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive ones can even sweep your floors but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best inexpensive robot vacuum robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to cope with the daily debris. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has adequate ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. 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 stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier for you to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The 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, pick an Automatic floor cleaning machine vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum cleaner for sale vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we loved its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on 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 has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

best roborock vacuum for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. If you have floors that are mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to 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. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to 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 into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins 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 navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older models faced and most require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit 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.

In addition to being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only near or on 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 believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.