How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of cleaning up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The ones that are more expensive will even sweep your floor however they're not able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also want a robot capable of handling stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a model with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing steps.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. However, it does have an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to clean larger areas. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners, because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the 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 the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine debris such as sand. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles as well as canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a two-in-one robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in an empty bin for cleaning and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in keeping away from obstacles such as rugs and thresholds, and staying clear of obstacles.


The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home when you are away. It can also be set to only mop and we loved its remarkable navigation on rug and floor surfaces and its ability to go 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 top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair and is the most affordable of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they can easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one go. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one 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 move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, robot vacuum deals has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding stairs and other hazards so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot enter, label different rooms or plan 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, so you don't have to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies the robots are best suited for small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had 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 problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they need a certain amount of illumination to be able to see where they're going. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top model and the runners-up use this. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be set to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not 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.