Mariel Causey

How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best home vacuum cleaner ones are adept at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot that has additional features, you should consider an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination allows it to stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier objects, like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a cheap robot vacuum vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. But they don't pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and may also be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we loved its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for an item of this size.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful as other robot vacuum/mop combinations however it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the best price of our top picks.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

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

When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate areas that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto vacuum cleaner-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as with other models.

Best suited for small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, however, you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change as manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues that these devices have, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as the older models, and they require an adequate amount of light in order to know where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition being capable of working in dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function, however, since the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.