How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum deals Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you want a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

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

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum; recent post by Hulkshare, with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests, and you can schedule it to clean smart robot your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for Automatic Vacuum weeks without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on both carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one move. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases 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 using downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

best floor vacuum robot for Small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently as opposed to larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. This has have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic vacuum cleaner deals snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and most require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Look into an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test, so be sure to go through our complete reviews of the models below before you make a purchase.