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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

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


The higher-end models even sweep your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were user-friendly, efficient and able to keep up with the daily messes. It is also important to choose a model capable of handling stairs and has good ability to pick up carpets. If you're looking for additional features, you may be interested in a robot equipped with smart mapping technology or an app that lets you control the robot remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing shopping writer and product reviewer at PEOPLE who has tested dozens of robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features such as ones that have 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 stairs.

The Black and Decker model has a lower score for navigation and has less technology for avoiding objects than the best-rated models. However, it does have an enormous dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it comes with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the location the last time it was used which makes it easier to clean larger spaces. This model is a great choice for pet owners as it can avoid tangled fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor that can identify rooms and obstacles by using a structured-light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid, and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any point, so you can continue to do chores while it does. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

This robot is not as effective at cleaning like our top models, but it excels at picking up heavier items like orzo pasta, metal screws, and fine debris such as sand. The only drawback is that it isn't able to mop and has a less efficient navigation system.

The best option for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick a robot vacuum with a high rating for carpet and rug maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at collecting dust from low-pile rugs, and some do a decently job of sweeping up heavier debris like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up fine particles like an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to thresholds and baseboards.

For homes with carpets, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. You can exchange an empty bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. top rated robot vacuum detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to avoid wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuums and mops in keeping away from obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds, and avoiding obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to tidy your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We loved its navigation on bare floors and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and great path planning for such a small device.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It has a large dock that can last for weeks and not need to be cleaned. It also features impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors with no floor. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to be operational during certain times of the day (a useful feature to keep mischievous kids and dextrous pets from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than some other robot vacuums and mops but it's good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the best value among our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are the ideal pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and other large debris. They don't have the suction of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning upholstery or carpeted areas.

The best two-in-one robots combine a vacuum and a mop to complete a more complete chore in one go. Look for one that has an onboard sensor to detect any changes in the flooring and adjust suction to match. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robotic vacuum that has 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 have to worry about the bot plummeting down the stairs and breaking your hardwood.

When you need mops, the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure rather than just wipe them to remove light dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and help to spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to reduce time. The mop pads are also able to be dried, washed, and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum cannot enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't need to empty the bin manually like you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are made for small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners as opposed to larger models. They can also be placed under furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll need to empty their dirt bins manually at the end each cleaning session.

A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a major transformation when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that their conventional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident.

The new sensors haven't eliminated all the issues that these devices have however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to know where they are moving. If you are living in a dark space or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider purchasing top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space, like our best overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to stay clear of stairs and other obstacles while working in the dark.

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

Some of the models we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones in areas you do not want the robot to go, which can be useful if you have children or pets. Those features aren't available on all of the models we test, so be sure to read our full reviews of the choices below prior to making a purchase.

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