How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard 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 need a robot that has adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control it remotely.

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

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. However, it has an enormous dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to the place it was last. This makes it easier for you to clean larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor robot plans to be used in the future. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app provides a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. Its only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and has a less impressive navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a robot vacuum with strong pickup and maneuverability scores on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some can be quite effective in picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. 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 spinning at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet, preventing it from soaking the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on bare floors as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long runtime and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you want a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to 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 as other mop/robot vacuum Cleaner best combination models, but it still picks up pet hair and hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robot vacuum for large house robots come with two-in-one features, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one move. Look for one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving your time. The mops can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually every time as you would with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. This improved the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic accident.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same challenges that the older models faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able see where they're headed. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the space. Our top models and runners-up models have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

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

A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas 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. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.