How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

cheap robot vacuum vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles and allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

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

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider a model that has 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 several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuum cleaner comparison (have a peek here) vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot works. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles such as baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't have remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum deals, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great for removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop as well. Its sensors 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 over to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

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

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate around and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This improved the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top robot vacuum cleaner overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to 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 can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.