How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and many 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. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous robot vacuum cleaner Best vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuum cleaner amazon vacuums. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing steps.

Compared with 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. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used which makes it easier to cover larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top 5 robot vacuum models, however it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models do a great job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They can't take in small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt that is close to thresholds or baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can exchange a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rugs. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are fantastic for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum, taking care of the entire chore in one sweep. If you have floors that are mixed choose one with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination 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. The sensors in it allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, Robot Vacuum Cleaner Best making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners over larger models. They can also fit under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are also less expensive than the more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vac vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot incident.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top 10 robot vacuum cleaner-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

The models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are on or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't want the robot to enter. This can be helpful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.