How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular touch-ups. The best ones are adept at picking up dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Make sure you choose models with smart mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.


Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried dozens robotic vacuums, is acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robots. She also loves robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't get tripped up when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. budget robot vacuum has a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger areas. 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 we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines with a LIDAR sensor that maps rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it is working. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand and heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a good job of picking up dust that has been embedded in carpets with a low pile and a few do a good job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they aren't able to pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that allows you to swap out an empty bin for cleaning and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into 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 superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It did well in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home when you are away. robotic vacuum cleaners can be set to mop only. We were impressed by its ability to navigate on floors that are not bare and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you want a more 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 last for months without needing to be emptied and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system that can be programmed to run only during specific times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value among our top picks.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal choice for hardwood floors as they are able to maneuver around obstacles and not damage the floor's surface. They are excellent for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed you should look for one with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can move effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood floors in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, and it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests that these robots are suited for small areas. They have smaller bins which hold less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the issues with these devices however. The less expensive models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition being capable of working in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not when they're above them. You'll still need to cover any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to believe it's in a different room.

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