How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best robot vacuum under 200 models do a great job at removing dust and other small particles and many allow you to designate no-go zones in pets or power cords.

The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Choose models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The top robots we've tested that we tested are efficient and user-friendly, and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll also need a robot that can handle stairs and that has decent cleaning power for carpets. If you're looking for a model with additional features, think about one that comes with smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested several robotic vacuums, has been credited with testing hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill water tanks for mopping robotic vacuums. She's also a big fan of robots that recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords to ensure they don't get caught when climbing steps.

This Black and Decker robot has a lower navigation score and has less technology for avoiding objects than the most popular models. It comes with a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. In addition, it has an option that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the location where it last stopped which makes it easier to tackle larger areas. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that is able to map rooms and identify obstacles using an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid steps, drops of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It is able to stop and restart the cleaning process at any time, meaning you can continue to do chores while it works. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is great in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best option 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. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some are capable of cleaning up larger debris, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They don't pick-up fine particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt that is close to baseboards or thresholds.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It allows you to swap out the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that rotate at 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpet, preventing the flooring from getting wet. You don't need to remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot automated vacuum/mops in avoiding obstacles and getting closer to carpets and thresholds.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests, and you can schedule it to sweep your home while you are away. It can be set to mop only, and we liked its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a extremely long run time and excellent path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking to buy 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 last for weeks without needing to be emptying and has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also comes with a smart mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain hours (a beneficial feature to keep mischievous children and dextrous animals from running wild). The Shark has less suction power than other robot vacuum/mop combos, but its still very efficient in removing hair and pet hair and is the best value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums robot are the best pick for hardwood floors because they are able to maneuver around obstacles without damaging the floor's surface. They are fantastic in removing dust and crumbs, but they struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.

The most effective two-in-one robots incorporate a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it effortlessly switch from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you might want to think about a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model comes with an impressive robotic vacuum that has smart navigation that can clean hardwood floors and other surfaces. It also mop. Its sensors help it avoid staircases and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When it comes to mop pads the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, The best robot vacuum cleaner rather than wipe them to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable pads reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to reduce time. The mops can also be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum won't enter, label different rooms, or schedule specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it in a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are made for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient in getting around corners better as opposed to larger models. They can also be tucked under furniture, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. These advancements have reduced the number 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 new sensors aren't solving all of the issues these machines face. The cheapest models are still struggling with the same obstacles that the older ones did and, in addition, they require a certain amount of illumination to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning laser units to map your area, like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness 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. It is essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from occurring. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models could bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to think it's in a different space.

Some of the models we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go areas for areas you don't wish the robot to go to. This is a great option if you have pets or small children. These features aren't offered on all the models we test, the best Robot Vacuum cleaner so be sure to review our full reviews of each model below prior to making a purchase.