How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The most expensive models will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot hoover with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing stairs.

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning robots sessions and return to the location where it stopped last and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners, as it can avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app includes a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at a speed 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 don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles such as rugs 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 through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on rug and floor vacuum robot surfaces as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot broom vacuum/mop combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to floors that aren't. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one move. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can 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 transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent 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 worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of 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 traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light in order to know where they are going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

These models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the Robot vacuum Near me to believe it is in another room cleaning robot.

Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.