Alissa Loyau

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum bot cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job of removing dust and light debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model equipped 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 tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuum cleaner best vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing the stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-highest rated robot vacuum models. It has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect 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 reference. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning robots as our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rug. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up small 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 mop/vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It detects and raises the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large charging dock that can go several weeks without having to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still picks up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why 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, taking care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance you can make use of the app to designate an area where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule automatic cleaning robot times for certain 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 like you do with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better over larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots can't reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that could help them navigate around and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic vacuum cleaner deals snag.

However, the new sensors aren't solving all of these machines' problems. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to see where they're going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the area. Our best overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

They can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to go to. 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.