How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were reliable, user-friendly and The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app offers 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 in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downside is that it isn't able to mop and has a less impressive navigation system.

The best robot vacuum for large house option for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright canister, The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner and may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum cleaner cheap vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot vacuum price Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum cleaner sale vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are great in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

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 light dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce waste, spread germs less, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a zone that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have however. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they need an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they're moving. Consider getting an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the area. Our top overall models and runners-up models have this feature. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers when working in darkness.

In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to enter. This is a great option 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.