How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to cleaning. The best models are capable of picking up dust light debris, cords and dust.

The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up stairs. Look for models with intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins.

best auto vacuum Overall

The top robots in our testing are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the capability to climb stairs. If you want a robot with additional features, think about a model that has smart mapping technology or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE and a reviewer of products who has tested numerous robotic vacuums, is recognized for her testing of hundreds of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most conveniences such as ones that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also loves robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables so that they won't trip up when climbing stairs.

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its navigation score is lower. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't require frequent emptying, and has a long battery life. It also has the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, and return to where it stopped last, making it easier for you to cover larger homes. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, since it is able to avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can map rooms and detect obstacles using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. This combination lets it stay clear of stairs, drops of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps to be used in the future for use. It can also stop the cleaning process at any time and resume where it left off and let you do chores while the robot is working. The app comes with the 3D image of your home, room cleaning robot labels, and more advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in picking up fine debris like baking soda and sand as well as larger items, such as orzo pasta and metal screws. Its only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and has a slightly less efficient navigation system.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that has a high score for rug and carpet mobility and pickup. Many models are capable of collecting dust from low-pile carpets, and some are capable of picking up heavier debris, such as orzo pasta and screws made of metal. But they don't pick up fine particles as well as canister or upright vacuums, and they may be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of thresholds and baseboards.

For carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robot mop/vacuum is the best choice. You can swap out the cleaning bin for a moist mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum Hoover vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rpm. It detects and raises the pads when it is in contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. You do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles and rugs, while also getting close to them and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

Another good 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 impressive navigation on both rug and floor surfaces, as well as its ability to go over and up onto furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for such a small device.

If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 robot cleaner Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a huge dock that can last for weeks without having to be cleaned. It also has impressive capability to auto-empty carpets and floors that are not cleaned. It also comes with a smart mapping system that can be programmed to only run for certain times (a beneficial feature to keep the sly children and animals from running wild). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other robot vacuums and mops, but its still very good at picking up hair and Robot Vacuum hoover pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top picks.

best vacuums for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are best for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver around obstacles easily without damaging floors that aren't. They are capable of removing dust and crumbs, however they struggle with pet hair and other larger particles. They lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, which is why they're not the best choice for carpeted rooms or deep cleaning upholstery.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, robot vacuum hoover which combine mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one step. If you have flooring that is mixed choose one equipped with an onboard sensor that detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to effortlessly transition from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is mostly comprised of hardwood floors, think about an automated vacuum cleaner vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to stay clear of hazards like stairs.

The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, rather than simply swab them to remove dust and dirt. Its pads that can be reused reduce waste and spread less germs. They can also be cleaned in the docking stations to save time. The mop pads can also be cleaned and dried to stop the spread of mold.

The robovac can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to use. You can, for example, use the app to create zones where the vacuum cannot be allowed to enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris through trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't need to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed for smaller spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to maneuvering tight corners. They can also fit under furniture, where the bigger robots struggle to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need 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 them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These improvements reduced the number times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot accident.

The new sensors aren't completely eliminating all the problems that these devices have, however. The lower-end models are unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and they require an adequate amount of light in order to be able to see where they're moving. If you live in a dark house or have lots of furniture with low-profiles, consider getting one that uses a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, like our best overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs.

In addition to 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 when they're above them. It is essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models may bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in a different space.

A few of the models we recommend allow you to set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you do not want the robot to move, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.