How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can save you lots of time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The most expensive models will even sweep your floor but they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker cheap robot vacuum cleaner vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for references. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning that you can continue doing chores while it works. The app offers a 3D view of your home, with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models are capable of cleaning dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright or canister, and may miss dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. 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 automatically detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in the absence of obstacles and in getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 cheap robot vacuum Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are capable of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring, look for a model with an onboard sensor which detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring 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 floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to be worried about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When you need mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. 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 times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are generally less expensive than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these machines, however. The less expensive models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination to know where they are moving. You should consider a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our best robot vacuum for the money overall pick and runner-up models use this. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can 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 for areas where you do not want the robot to go, which is useful if you have pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.