How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust, light debris and cords.


The more expensive models even clean your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up 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 is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features such as 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 detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower score on navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't need frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning times and return to where it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests in our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles, with a structured light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans for later use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any time and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

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

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and some do a decent job at picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which allows you to swap between an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. read this , for example, is a vacuum cleaner 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 into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to the absence of obstacles and in getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its impressive navigation on both carpets and floors and its ability to go up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature 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 option. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for several weeks without having to be emptying and boasts amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on both bare floors and carpets. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They don't have the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, combining mop and vacuum to complete the task in one step. If you have floors that are mixed choose models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is composed of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't need 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 clean to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops are also able to be dried, washed and used again.

Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate a zone where the vacuum can't go, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors and then puts it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests that these robots are to be used in small areas. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. These robots are also cheaper than the more expensive models, but you will need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of these machines' problems. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light to see where they are going. Consider getting a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to create maps of the space. Our best overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, but not when they are above it. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that could hinder this function, however, because the lasers used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.