How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and lightweight debris and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Choose models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider an option that incorporates 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 robovacs that have the most conveniences, such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing steps.

When compared with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. In addition, it has a feature that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the spot where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a great option for pet owners as it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests we tested the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines a LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using a structured light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It is able to avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs with this combination. It is also able to save up to four floor plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped so that you can complete chores while the robot vacuum cleaner Best does its work. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it is superior in removing fine debris like sand and baking soda and heavier items like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select one that scores high for robot vacuum cleaner best vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, but they are unable to deal with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an expensive upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted rooms or upholstery that needs deep cleaning.

The best two-in-one robots combine mopping and vacuum to complete the entire chore in one go. Look for models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model has a powerful robotic vacuum with intelligent navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It can also mop. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, instead of simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to avoid spreading mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to designate areas where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning sessions. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects the debris via trapdoors and then puts 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.

Best for Small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, but you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end each cleaning session.

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

The new sensors don't solve all issues that these devices have however. The cheaper models are still not able to traverse the same obstacles as the older models, and require a certain level of light to be able to see where they are going. You should consider one that has a spinning LIDAR unit mounted on top to create maps of the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles like stairs.

The models can also be programmed to utilize their cliff sensors 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 interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it is in another room.

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option when you have pets or small children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.