How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can help you save time and effort when it comes to cleaning. Top performers are good at cleaning up dust, light debris and cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use and able to cope with daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a model with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing numerous robot vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying dustbins and charging docks that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords so they don't trip when climbing stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot cleaning machine vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. It also comes with a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger spaces. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we observed that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily using this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor robot plans to be used in the future. It can also stop the cleaning process at any moment and pick up where it left off, so you can do chores while the robot is working. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, complete with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning like our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine particles such as sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop and that its navigation system is a little less impressive.

best robot vacuum for large house for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum that scores high for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. Many models do a decent job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a good job of picking up heavier debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and could be unable to pick up dirt close to baseboards or thresholds.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best choice. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops wet with circular pads that rotate at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from becoming wet. You don't need remove them or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting close to rugs and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It performed well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to tidy your home when you are away. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors as well as its ability to get up and over furniture. 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 more modern model, you can look at 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 cleaned. It also has amazing capability to auto-empty carpets and bare floors. It's also got a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from running it amuck). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not an ideal option for rooms with carpets or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one move. If you have floors that are mixed you should look for a model equipped with an onboard sensor that detects changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly composed of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combination like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is a powerful robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it can mop as well. Its sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads that are reusable reduce waste, spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. They can also be dried, washed and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance you can use the app to set up a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning times for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less debris. They are also more efficient when it comes to getting around corners better over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would be stuck on or over. This has decreased the amount of times our testers needed 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 issues that these devices have however. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. Consider getting a model that uses a spinning LIDAR device that is mounted on top to trace the space. Our top model and the runners-up have this feature. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

They can also be programmed to only utilize their cliff sensors when they are near or on the ground, but not when they are above it. It's important to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot believe it's in a different room.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't present on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.