How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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

The ones that are more expensive can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates 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 credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they don't fall when climbing stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score on navigation and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It does however have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the place where it last stopped, making it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles with a structured-light sensor [Redirect-302] to identify objects as well as detect edges. The combination lets it avoid steps, drops of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any point, so that you can continue doing chores while it does. The app offers a 3D view of your home with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as efficient in cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. The only drawbacks are that it cannot mop and that its navigation system is less impressive.

The best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They canand animals from running amok). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to easily navigate around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are excellent at of removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair and other large debris. They also lack the suction power of a top-of-the-line upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. Choose a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to think about a robotic mop and vacuum bot combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop too. Its sensors let it stay clear of hazards like stairs.

When it comes to mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to designate an area that the vacuum cannot enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. 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 other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots have difficulty reaching. They are also less expensive than higher-end models, however you will need to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that allowed them to navigate and avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These advancements reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors haven't solved all of these machines' problems. The most affordable models struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. 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 laser units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up picks do. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition to being able to work in the dark they can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to shield any mirrors that might interfere with this function however, since the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones in areas where you don't want the robot to go, which is useful if you have small pets or children. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.