How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a robot equipped with smart vacuum mapping technology or an app that lets you remote control vacuum cleaner it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill 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 trip up when climbing steps.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. In addition, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a good robot vacuum choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, 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 picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both bare floors and rugs and 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 more modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty robot vacuum cleaner best Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations, but it still picks hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one pass. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum cleaner commercial vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove 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 mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. You can, for instance, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Consider getting one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to create maps of the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

These models can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This can be helpful for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.