How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

robot cleaner amazon vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb up stairs. Make sure you choose models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll also want a buy robot vacuum cleaner capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing numerous cheap robot vacuum vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get caught when climbing stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also 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 doing chores while it works. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, but it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. Its only drawbacks are that it can't 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 carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile, and several do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't have to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. 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 mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. 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 high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot cleaner Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot vacuum hoover combinations, but it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are the ideal option for hardwood floors since they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are great in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop and take care of a more complete chore in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

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

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

Both the robovac and the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, 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 are unable to reach. These robots are also cheaper than more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The less expensive models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to see where they're moving. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

In addition being capable of working in dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.