How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart vacuum mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic hoovers vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score for navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app comes with a 3D representation of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing fine debris such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be empty and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a handy feature for keeping mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are excellent in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best auto vacuum - This Web page - two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for models with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic floor vacuums vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

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

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues with these machines, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they're going. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. 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 set to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful when you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.