How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you a lot of time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

best smart vacuum Overall

The best robots in our testing are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get caught 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 score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it has the ability to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app includes a 3D view of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, however it is great at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a slightly less effective navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and wet mop with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and eliminating obstacles.

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 your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rug. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep the sly kids and pets from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot Vacuum Cleaner best vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete an entire task in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot vacuum hoover falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed, dried and reused.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to designate areas that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit 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 significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that traditional sensors might get stuck on or run across. This has have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic floor vacuums snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these machines, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they require a certain level of light to be able to see where they're going. You should consider an option that incorporates an LIDAR spinning unit that is that is mounted on top to map the area. Our top overall model and the runners-up do this. This lets them avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones when working in darkness.

In addition to being able to work in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to shield any mirrors that may hinder this function, however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't offered on all of the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.