How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

best combo vacuum Overall

The best robots that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot vacuum cleaner amazon with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you may 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 for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of 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 stop and restart cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and 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 like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best smart vacuum for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one with a high rating for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are good at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

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

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one step. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling 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 wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. They are also able to be washed, dried and reused.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto vacuum cleaner (article source)-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 need to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be 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, a toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need some level of illumination to know where they are going. Consider getting one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the space. Our best overall model and the runners-up do this. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

In addition being able to work in the dark they can also be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

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