How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Find models with intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, Robot vacuum Cleaner Comparison and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll also want a robot that can handle stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot vacuum cleaner comparison with extra features, robot Vacuum cleaner comparison consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't trip when climbing the stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot cleaner is working. The app provides 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 robot vacuum-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 downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations 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 every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also features impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still picks up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They do an excellent job of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic floor scrubber vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label 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 disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times 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 most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did and most need a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to trace the space. Our top models and runners-up models do this. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you review our full reviews of the choices below before making your purchase.