How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best combo vacuum ones are adept at cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning times and return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger areas. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because 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 the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to 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 references. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app provides the 3D image of your home, complete with room cleaning robot labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange the cleaning bin to a damp 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 rpm. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning robots for home.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms and plan 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 you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these devices, however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination to know where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another 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 to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.