Darci McGuinness

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. top 5 robot vacuum performers do a good job at removing dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum cleaner Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you want a robot with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to cover larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app provides a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums, and they may miss ground-in dirt close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. 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 they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path-planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best cheap robot vacuum value among our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one sweep. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When you need mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

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

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robotic vacuums experienced significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advances have reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy or pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did, and many of them require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.