How to Choose the Best robot vacuum cleaner best buy Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums can save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job at removing dust and other small particles and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.

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

Best Overall

The top robots that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. It is also important to choose a model that can take on stairs and that has decent ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for a model 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 reviewer of products who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been acknowledged for her work in testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most features like those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they don't fall when climbing the stairs.

When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities, and its navigation score is lower. It comes with a large dust bin that is non-refillable and an extended battery. It also has a feature which allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to where it was last. This makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects as well as detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs with this combination. It also has the ability to save up to four floor plans for future use. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, so you can continue to do chores while it works. The app offers the 3D image of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.

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

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, search for a vacuum that has good pickup and a high score for maneuverability on carpets and rug. A lot of models do a great 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. But they don't pick up small particles like canister or upright vacuums and can not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

The best choice for most carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot automated vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop that is able to clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It is able to detect and lift its pads when it comes into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums/mops in staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

Another solid option is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which performed very well in our tests and can be scheduled via the app to clean while you're away from home. It can be set to mop only and we were impressed by its remarkable navigation on bare floors and rugs, as well as its ability to climb over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic option. It has a large charging dock that can go months without needing to be empty, and it has amazing navigation capabilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also has a smart-mapping system and can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from running it amuck). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuum/mop combos however it's still efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Ideal for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are a great option for hardwood floors since they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at picking up dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to complete the job in one go. Find one that has an onboard sensor that detects any changes in the flooring 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 lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

The eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned in the docking station to save your time. They can also be dried, washed, and reused.

The robovac can be controlled via your smartphone, making it simpler to use. For instance, you can use the app to set up an area that the vacuum won't enter or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via a trapdoor, and stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to moving around corners more efficiently over larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins at end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robot Vacuum cleaner best accident.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The most affordable models struggle with the same challenges that the older ones did, and many of them require a certain amount light to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This allows them to work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're near or on the floor, not above them. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that could interfere with this function however, because the laser used by a LIDAR-based model could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot vacuum cleaner quiet to think it is in another room.

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas where you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.