How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for extra 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 dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it is working. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best budget robot vacuum option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. A lot of models are adept at cleaning robot price dust from low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums robot and can miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. 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 vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding 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 floors that are not bare and carpets. 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 model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge 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 that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one step. Find a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture 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 composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum cleaner sale vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that 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 suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems with these devices however. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we've tested so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.