How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor, but they can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to cope with daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and that has decent pick-up power on carpets. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most conveniences like ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing steps.

In comparison 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. However, it has a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for reference. It can pause and resume cleaning at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand and heavier items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawbacks are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose an automatic vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a decent job at sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 revolutions per minute. simply click for source recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring as well as carpets. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a modern model, you can look at the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptied and has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to only operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair very well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum and take care of the entire chore in one pass. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, has this feature and can move seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider a robotic vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors in it allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. They are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for example, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't be allowed to enter, label different rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually 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 that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots struggle to get in. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have 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 traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers had to clean up after a robot snag.

The new sensors don't solve all issues with these machines, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your space, like our best 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, these models can be set 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 to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

Some of the models that we recommend let you create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't wish the robot to visit. This is helpful when you have pets or small children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the models below before making your purchase.