How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models that feature smart robot vacuums mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you might be interested in a model that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robot vacuum hoover vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It has a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last and makes it much easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. But they don't pick up 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 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.

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

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also has a smart mapping system that can be programmed 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 mop/robot combinations, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

best automatic vacuum for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the problems that these devices have however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing a top 10 robot vacuum cleaner-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

A few 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 for those with pets or small children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.