How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best ones are adept at picking up dust, light debris and cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

best robot vacuum for large house Overall

The top robots we've tested that we have tested are effective, easy to use, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot vacuum cleaner top 10 that has decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking to add more features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of numerous robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to tackle larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is able to pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only drawbacks 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 scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and a few do a good job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and may be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and wet mop with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you want a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart vacuum mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific hours (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging the surfaces that are not. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of the entire chore in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for example, has this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

best self cleaning robot vacuum for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for small spaces. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuum cleaner black friday vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced, and many of them need a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This will allow them to avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.

They can be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend also let you set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot move, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.