How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will save you lots of time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust as well as light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real time safety features, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to keep up with the daily messes. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you might 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 tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a huge fan of robotic vacuums that offer the greatest convenience, including self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill 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.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the best-rated models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. Additionally, it comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped, making it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to spot and avoid tangled hair and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can pause and resume cleaning at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The app provides a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

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

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. However, they can't handle fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums 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 option. You can swap out an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and lifts the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at avoiding obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set up to mop only. We liked its navigation on bare floors and rug. The Combo i5 has a long time to run and excellent path planning for a device of this size.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot sweeper Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It comes with a large dock that can last for weeks without having to be emptied. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It also comes with a smart mapping system, and can be set to run only during specific times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuums and mops however it's still effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

The best automatic floor cleaner choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are a great pick for hardwood floors because they are able to navigate around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop and take care of an entire task in one go. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for example, has this feature and can go seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors let it avoid hazards such as stairs.

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 reusable mop pads reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station, saving you time. They are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for instance make use of the app to create zones that the automated vacuum will not enter, label different rooms and schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

best inexpensive robot vacuum for Small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advancements decreased the amount of times our testers needed to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, toy, or piece of pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older models faced and, in addition, they require a certain amount illumination to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as 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 capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only near or on the floor, not above them. You'll still want to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function, however, because the laser used by a laser-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room.

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