How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The top models do a great job of removing dust and lightweight debris, and most allow you to set no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The most expensive models can even sweep your floors however they're not able to climb up the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

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

Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It does however have an ample 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 return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to clean larger homes. 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 the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can stay clear of the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and pick up where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The included app offers the 3D image of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

The robot isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris like orzo pasta and metal screws. However, they can't handle fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best option. You can swap out an empty bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after each use. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as rugs. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for the size of the device.

If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has amazing ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart mapping system, and can be programmed to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep pets and children who are prone to mischief from running amok). The Shark isn't as powerful as other mop/robot combinations however it still manages to pick up pet hair and hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors


Robot vacuums are the best option for hardwood floors since they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They do an excellent job of removing dust and crumbs, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum, taking care of a more complete chore in one go. Find a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. robot vacuum cleaner for sale T9+, for example, has this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. 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 wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove dirt and dust. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and reused.

The robovac is operated by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient in moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, however you will have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through an important change. Manufacturers started adding sensors that allowed them to navigate around and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might be stuck on or across. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all the issues with these devices, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones did and most require a certain amount illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

In addition 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 is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas where you do not want the robot go, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.