How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and other small particles and allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The more expensive ones will even sweep your floor, but they can't climb up the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large Self Vacuum (bbs.pku.Edu.Cn)-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum under 200 Overall

The best auto vacuum robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot 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 tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and a long battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners, as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off and let you do chores while the robot works. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robot vacuum with excellent pickup and good robot vacuum maneuverability scores on carpets and rug. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they can't handle small particles like an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles, Self vacuum getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. 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 more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptying, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however, it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage floors that aren't. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one go. Find models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

They can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot cleaner to believe it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't included on all the models we test and recommend that you go through our complete reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.