How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum can help you save time and effort in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The most expensive models can even sweep your floors, but they can't climb stairs. Find models that feature intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

best affordable robot vacuum Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to keep up with everyday debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking to add more features, you may be interested in a robot 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 vacuum cleaner commercial vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She's a huge fan of robot vacuums that provide the greatest convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used by mopping robots. She also enjoys robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing steps.

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require regular emptying and slimex365.com has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and return to the place the last time it was used, making it easier to cover larger spaces. This model is also a good choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and eliminate hair tangled and fallen food particles.

In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined the LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify obstacles and map rooms with 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 can also save up to four floor plans for later use. 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 works. The included app offers a 3D representation of your home, room labels, and advanced cleaning options.

This model isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, however it excels in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only downside is that it's not able to mop, and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, select a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models do a great job of removing dust embedded in low-pile carpet and a few do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. They don't pick-up small particles like an upright or canister, and they may be unable to pick up dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.

The best option for carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in the cleaning bin as well as mopping pad that is damp. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a wet mop with circular pads that spin at a speed of 200 rotations per minute. It recognizes and raises its pads when it comes into contact with carpets, preventing the flooring from becoming wet. You don't need to take them off or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.

Another option that is worth considering is the iRobot Roomba Combo i5, which did exceptionally well in our tests and can be scheduled using the app to clean your home when you're away from home. It can also be set to mop only, and we liked its impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces and its ability to climb 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 for a more advanced model, look into the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop. It has a huge charging dock that can go months without needing to be emptied and has amazing navigation abilities and auto-emptying on carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature that can keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very effective in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best robot hoover value among our top picks.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for floors made of hardwood, since they can maneuver around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, meaning they're not an ideal choice for carpeted areas or deep cleaning upholstery.

The best robots are two-in-one, combining a vacuum with a mop to do a complete job in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction to match. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, you should consider an automated vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model is an efficient robot vacuum with smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and it can mop too. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.

When it comes to mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove dust and dirt. The mop pads are reusable, which reduce the amount of waste, and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station to save your time. The mops are also able to be washed, dried and used again.

The robovac is controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones where the vacuum cannot enter, or to label rooms or schedule specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock, which collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a bagless or disposable bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

Like the name suggests, these robots are best amazon vacuum designed for smaller areas. They have smaller bins that contain less garbage, and are more efficient than larger models in navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture that larger robots can't reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you will have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation as manufacturers began adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would become stuck on or over. This has decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

The new sensors don't solve all issues with these machines, however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as the older models, and they need a certain level of light to be able to see where they're moving. Look into an option that incorporates a spinning LIDAR unit placed on top of the model to map the space. Our top overall model and the runners-up use this. This allows them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles when working in darkness.

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

A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you don't want the robot to go, which can be beneficial if you have small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before deciding.