How to Choose the best robot vacuums Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models that have 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 keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart robot vacuums mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a big fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any moment and resume where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app offers the 3D image of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top 10 robot vacuum cleaner-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug mobility and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, Automatic Vacuum for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well 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 loved its navigation on floors with no flooring and rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one move. Find one that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs.

When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

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

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these devices however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top 5 robot vacuum overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. 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 allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you don't want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.