How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with intelligent vacuum cleaner mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to remote control vacuum cleaner it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't need regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions, and then return to where it stopped at the last point, making it easier to cover larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it is able to identify and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app includes a 3D view of your home, complete with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some can be quite effective in house cleaning robot up larger debris like orzo pasta and screws made of steel. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and could miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

For homes with carpets the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, vacuums and mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can also be set to only mop, and we liked its excellent navigation on bare floors and rugs as well as its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty. It also has impressive navigation and auto-emptying capabilities on carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature to stop pets and children who are prone to mischief from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of picking up dust and crumbs, however they aren't able to handle pet hair and other larger particles. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the best choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate mopping and vacuum and take care of an entire task in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for a model with an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is comprised of hardwood floors, think about a robotic vacuum and mop combo 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. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste and make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently than larger models. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt bins at 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 conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic snag.

The new sensors don't solve all issues that these devices have, however. The lower-end models are not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and they need some level of illumination in order to know where they are going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in the dark and in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot vacuum cleaner comparison think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't offered on all the models we test so make sure to read our full reviews of each model below before you make a purchase.