How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robot vacuums will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job picking up dust and light debris and allow you to designate no-go zones in pet areas or power cords.

The higher-end models even sweep your floors--though they still can't climb stairs. Find models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self cleaning vacuum-emptying bins.

Best Overall

The best robots that we tested are efficient and easy to use and able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with extra features, consider a model that has smart mapping technology, or an app to control it remotely.

Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried many robotic vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that recognize landmarks, such as furniture legs and power cables so they won't trip up when climbing the stairs.

Compared to the top-rated models, this Black and Decker vacuum isn't as advanced in its object-avoidance capabilities and its navigation score is lower. It has a large, non-refillable dustbin and an extended battery. It also comes with an option that allows you to schedule cleaning times and then return to the place it stopped last, making it easier to take care of larger areas. This model is an excellent option for pet owners, as it can avoid the tangles of fur and food particles.

In our tests, the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combines an LIDAR sensor that can map rooms and see obstacles with an organized light sensor to identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid liquid droplets, stairs, and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for future use. It can also pause the cleaning process at any point and return to where it stopped and let you do chores while the robot does its work. The included app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and advanced cleaning options.

While this robot can't clean as well as our top robot vacuum-rated models, it is superior in removing small particles like baking soda and sand as well as larger objects, like orzo pasta and screws made of metal. The only drawback is that it can't mop and hask that can go several weeks without having to be emptying, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on bare floors and carpets. It's also got an intelligent mapping system that can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing chaos). The Shark has less suction power than other mop/robot combos but it's efficient in removing hair and pet hair. It is the best value of our top choices.

best buy robot vacuum for The Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner Hard Flooring

Robot vacuums are a great choice for hardwood floors as they are able to easily maneuver around obstacles and not damage surfaces that are not bare. They are capable of removing 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, which makes them unsuitable for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas.

The best two-in-1 robots combine a vacuum and a mop, taking care of a more complete chore in one sweep. Look for a model that has an onboard sensor to detect changes in the floor's texture and adjust suction in line with the changes. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and lets it move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.

If your home is primarily comprised of hardwood floors, consider a robotic vacuum and mop combo like the eufy S1 Pro. This model features a powerful robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces, and 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 it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors with downward pressure, rather than wipe them over to remove 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 mops can also be dried, washed, and used again.

Both the robovac and mop are both controlled by your smartphone to make it easier to manage the device. For instance, you can utilize the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, label different rooms, or plan specific cleaning times. The Eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that sucks debris through a trapdoor and is then stored in a disposable or bagless bin, so you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as you do with other models.

Ideal for small Spaces

These robots are designed for smaller 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, where larger robots are unable to reach. They are usually less expensive than the higher-end models as well, but you'll have to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.

A few years back, robot vacuums went through significant changes. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them navigate and avoid household items that their traditional sensors could become stuck on or run across. These advances reduced the number of times our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag, whether it was a power cord, a toy or pet waste.

However, the latest sensors aren't solving all of the problems these machines have. The cheaper models are still unable to navigate the same obstacles as older models, and require an adequate amount of light to be able to be able to see where they're moving. If you reside in a dark area or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider getting one that uses top-mounted spinning laser units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in the dark and avoid obstacles like stairs.

In addition being able to work in the dark and in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only on or near the floor, not above them. It's essential to cover mirrors in order to stop this from happening. The lasers used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, making the robot think it's in another room.

Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones for areas where you don't want the robot to move, which is useful if you have children or pets. These features aren't available on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.