How to Choose the best robot cleaner Robot Vacuum Cleaner

A robot vacuum will help you save time and hassle in the case of regular cleaning. The best models are capable of getting rid of dust light debris, cords and dust.

The more expensive models even clean your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Look for models that have smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots we tested were efficient, easy-to-use, and able keep up with the daily debris. You'll need a model with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a model that has additional features, you should consider one that comes with smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tested dozens robotic vacuums, is credited with testing dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features, such as ones 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 the robots that are able to recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords so they don't get tripped up when climbing steps.

In comparison with the top-rated models this Black and Decker vacuum is less equipped with object-avoidance technology and its score for navigation is lower. It comes with a huge, non-refillable dustbin 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 take care of larger areas. This model is a great choice for pet owners since it is able to avoid hair tangles and food particles.

In our tests, we discovered 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. The combination allows it to avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs with ease and save up to four floor maps for future reference. It can also stop the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot works. The app offers a 3D view of your home with room labels as well as advanced cleaning options.

Although this model isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models, it excels in picking up fine debris like sand and baking soda as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only downsides are that it's not able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive.

Best for Carpet

If you have carpeting in your home, look for a robotic vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rugs. Many models are good at picking up dust in low-pile rugs. Some do a decently job of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta and screws made of steel. But they don't pick up small particles as well as an upright or canister vacuum and may also not pick up dirt that is ground-in close to baseboards and thresholds.

For most carpeted homes, a 2-in-1 robotic vacuum/mop is the best option. It is possible to swap out the cleaning bin to a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop simultaneously with circular pads spinning at 200 rotations a minute. It detects and lifts its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. It is not necessary to take them off or replace them each time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums/mops in avoiding obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and staying clear of obstacles.

The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another option worth considering. It did well in our tests and you can set it up to schedule it to sweep your home even when you're away. It can also be set to mop only and we were impressed by its excellent navigation on carpets and floors and its ability to get up and over 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 top-of-the-line vacuum Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a fantastic alternative. It has a huge charging dock that can last for weeks without needing to be empty, and it has impressive navigation skills and automatic vacuum emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to only operate during certain hours of the day (a useful feature to keep children and pets who are prone to mischief from causing chaos). The Shark isn't as powerful than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best self cleaning robot vacuum value of our top choices.

Best for Hard Floors

Robot vacuums are ideal for hardwood floors, as they can navigate around obstacles without causing damage to bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up crumbs and dust, but they struggle with pet hair and larger debris. They lack the suction power of an upright or a top-quality canister vacuum, making them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The most effective robots are those that are two-in-one, which combine the power of a mop with a vacuum to do a complete job in one move. Find models that have an onboard sensor that detects changes in the floor texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+, for instance, comes with this feature and can move seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting.

If your home is made up of hardwood floors, think about a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent vacuum cleaner navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors help it avoid the stairs and other hazards, so you don't have to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and robot vacuum cleaner breaking your hardwood.

When it comes to mops the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to get rid of light dust and dirt. Its reusable mop pads reduce waste, make it less likely to spread germs, and can be cleaned at the docking station to save you time. They are also able to be dried, washed and reused.

Both the robovac as well as the mop can be controlled from your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone that the vacuum won't enter, label separate rooms, or schedule cleaning sessions for certain areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and stores it in a disposable or bagless bin, meaning you don't have to manually empty the bin as often as you do with other models.

Best for Small Spaces

These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins, which can hold less garbage. They are also more efficient when it comes to maneuvering around tight corners than larger models. They can also fit under furniture that larger robots can't reach. They are also less expensive than more expensive models, but you'll have to empty their dirt bins manually at the end of each cleaning session.

A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers began adding sensors to help them navigate and avoid household objects that their traditional sensors would become stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robot snag.

However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the issues these machines face. The cheaper models are still not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and require a certain level of light in order to see where they are going. Look into one that has an LIDAR spinning unit that is placed on top of the model to trace the space. Our top overall pick and runner-up models have this feature. This allows them to work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition to being capable of working in dark, these models can be configured to use their cliff sensors only when they're on or near the floor, not when they're above them. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may hinder this function, though, as the laser used by a LIDAR-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces and cause the robot to think it's in another room cleaning robot.

Some of the models that we recommend will allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option when you have small children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Read our full reviews before making your choice.