How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. top 10 robot vacuum cleaner performers are good at picking up dust, light debris and cords.

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

Best Overall

The best robots we tried were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a big fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't get tripped up when climbing steps.

When compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is a good choice for pet owners, because it will prevent hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning like our top models, however it is great in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile and some do a good job of 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 close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering 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 also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a more high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a large charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied, and it has impressive navigation skills and auto vacuum-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.

best affordable robot vacuum for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one move. 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 go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily composed of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors help it avoid stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, not simply swab them to get rid of dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at the docking stations to save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can hold less waste, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where the larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Deals snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced, and many of them need a certain amount of light to see where they're going. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

These models can be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers 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 we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.