Aja Angwin

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A Robot Vac vacuum can help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers do a good robot vacuum job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of 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 the water tanks used by mopping robots. She's also a big fan of robots that detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick one that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot cleaner mop/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, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean smart robot while you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks and not need to be emptied. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable robot vacuum value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. Choose models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has an impressive robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the new sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they are moving. Consider getting an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top pick and runner-up models do this. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

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