Aja Angwin

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and has good pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing stairs.

In comparison to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it stopped last, making it easier to clean larger homes. This model is a good option for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app provides the 3D image of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it's not able to mop, and has a less effective navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright or canister, and they may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to clean your home when you are away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rug. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item 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 charging dock that can go weeks without needing to be emptying and boasts impressive navigation skills and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations, but it does pick hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a remote vacuum to complete the job in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can transition effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot vacuum cleaner for sale mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart vacuum cleaner navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you won't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements have reduced the number of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older models faced and most need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

The models can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by 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 also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.