How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and light debris and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can 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 can also pause the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.

The best robot vacuum black friday for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other robot automated vacuum/mop combinations however it still manages to pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable price of our top picks.

best home vacuum cleaner for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They are capable of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have floors that are mixed, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. 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 with downward pressure, rather than wipe them to get rid of light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to create a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for The best robot vacuum cleaner small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins, that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these devices however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to create maps of the space. Our top overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This will allow them to avoid stairs and the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner other barriers when working in darkness.

In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.