How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. The best models do a great job of removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, though they aren't able to climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazards avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll also need a robot capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a model equipped 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 numerous robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also enjoys robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

This robot from Black and Decker has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and a long battery. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it was last. This makes it easier for you to take care of larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can detect objects and Automatic Floor Cleaning Machine detect edges. It can stay clear of liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It is also able to save up to four Automatic Floor Cleaning Machine plans to be used in the future. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off so that you can complete chores while the robot is working. The app comes with an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as good at cleaning like our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws, and even fine particles like sand. Its only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a littles on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate at certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing havoc). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top picks.

Best for Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are great at picking up dust and crumbs but struggle with pet hair or other debris. They lack the suction power of the top canister or upright vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one pass. If you have mixed flooring choose a model with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from hard 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 combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. The sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood.

When you need mops, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than just wipe them clean to remove light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mop pads can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it much easier to use. For instance, you can use the app to create an area that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless robot vacuum bin, so you don't need to manually empty the bin like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

As the name suggests, these robots are best designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that hold less garbage, and are more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be placed under furniture that larger robots have difficulty reaching. They tend to be cheaper than the more expensive models, as well, but you'll have to manually empty their dirt storage compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago robot vacuums underwent significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that allowed them to avoid household items that their conventional sensors might get stuck on or run across. These advances have reduced the number 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 don't solve all issues that these devices have, however. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same issues that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. Look into one that has a spinning LIDAR unit that is mounted on top to map the space. Our top models and runners-up models do this. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

These models can also be programmed to only use their cliff sensors only when they are near or on the ground, Automatic Floor Cleaning Machine and not when they are above it. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create 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.