How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested numerous robotic hoovers vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing 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. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners since it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one with a high rating for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum deals vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and 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, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. 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 more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

robot cleaner commercial vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning robots upholstery.

The best two-in-1 robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete the entire chore in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors 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 damaging your hardwood.

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 dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. They can also be washed, dried and reused.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for example utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all issues with these devices, however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

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