How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job picking up dust and lightweight debris and allow you to set no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and user-friendly, and able to keep up with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model that can handle stairs and has adequate cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can detect landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as an extended battery. In addition, it has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place where it stopped last which makes it easier to clean 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 a LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid stairs, liquid droplets, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It can pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app includes the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and its navigation system is less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rugs. Many models are capable of picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. You can exchange the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It automatically detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor, and you don't need to remove or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which was a great performer in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We were impressed by its ability to navigate 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 for a high-tech model, consider the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be emptied. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. best affordable robot vacuum has a clever mapping system that can be set to only run for certain hours (a useful feature for keeping mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it does pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the most affordable value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can navigate through obstacles with ease without causing damage bare surfaces. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, so they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one move. If you have mixed flooring, look for models equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go effortlessly from hard to soft carpeting.


If your home is made up of hardwood floors, consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors let it 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 just wipe them clean to get rid of light dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving your time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to avoid spreading mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. You can, for instance utilize the app to create zones that the vacuum will not be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bag-less or disposable bin. This means that you won'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 can store less debris. They are also more efficient in maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the higher-end models too, although you'll need to empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers started adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could get stuck on or run across. These advancements have reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was an electrical cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems with these machines, however. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they need a certain level of light in order to be able to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, but not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing 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 to protect areas where you don't want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small pets or children. Those features aren't available on all the models we test so make sure to review our full reviews of the models below prior to making a purchase.