How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot cleaner commercial vacuum will save you a lot of time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. Top performers are good at picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and robot vacuum Cleaner cheap product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self Vacuum near me-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the top-rated models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the location where it stopped last, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to detect objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it does. The app includes an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. 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, choose one that has a high score for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they aren't able to pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime 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 large dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run during certain hours (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/automatic hoover robot combinations however, it does pick up pet hair and hair very well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum deals to do a complete job in one go. If you have mixed flooring, look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart 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 robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate a zone that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

As the name suggests the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements 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 aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. You should consider an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have pets or children who are small. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.