How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model 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 many robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of the robots that can 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 robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less effective navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be set to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum deals vacuum/mop combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. If you have mixed flooring choose a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be dried, washed and used again.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems that these devices have, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older models faced and most require a certain amount illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

In addition to being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still want to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot vacuum cleaner best buy to think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot vacuum cleaner quiet go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.