How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle in the case of regular touch-ups. The top models do a great job at removing dust and light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self vacuum near me-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a robot that has decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to handle stairs. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers robovacs that have the most features, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing steps.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less object-avoidance technology than the top-rated models. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is a good choice for pet owners because it will prevent the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify rooms and obstacles with a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The 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 reference. It is able to pause and resume the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. 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 picking up fine debris such as baking soda and sand and heavier objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, choose a robot vacuum that has a high score for carpet and rug ability to maneuver and pick up. A lot of models are adept at picking up dust in low-pile carpets, and some are capable of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright or canister, and could miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

For most carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best option. You can swap out a cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute. It detects and lifts its pads when it comes in contact with carpet, which prevents the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo also performs better than other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

Another good option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled through the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors with no flooring and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and excellent path planning for such a small 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 having to be emptied. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark is less powerful than other robot vacuum/mop combinations however, it still picks hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the highest value of our top choices.

The best choice for hardwood floors

Robot vacuums are best robot cleaner for floors with hardwood floors because they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of removing crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction of an upright or a top rated robot vacuum-quality canister vacuum, making them a poor choice for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best robots come with two-in-one features, combining the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the task in one step. Look for models that have an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot vacuum cleaner review mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robotic vacuum equipped with smart navigation that can clean hardwood and other surfaces. It can also mop. Its sensors assist it in avoiding staircases 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 using downward pressure, not simply swab them in order to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and reduce the spread of germs and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to prevent the spread of mold.

Both the robovac and the mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum won't enter or label rooms separately, or schedule cleaning times for specific areas. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, meaning you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name implies that these robots are designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that can store less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are usually less expensive than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to manually empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back robotic vacuums experienced a major change. Manufacturers began to add sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could be stuck on or across. These advances reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, a toy, or piece of pet waste.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the problems that these devices have, however. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones faced and most require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Look into a model that uses an LIDAR spinning unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our best overall model and the runners-up have this feature. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones while working in the dark.

The models can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors when they are on or near the ground, and 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, making the robot think it's in a different space.

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