How to Choose auto vacuum will save you time and effort when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers do a good job of removing dust and light debris and allow you to create no-go zones for pets or power cords.
The pricier ones even mop your floors, but they can't climb the stairs. Find models that feature smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and roomy self-emptying bins.
Best Overall
The top robots we tested were reliable, user-friendly, and able keep up with daily debris. You'll need a model with adequate carpet-picking capabilities and the ability to take on stairs. If you're looking for a robot with additional features, think about an option that incorporates smart mapping technology or an app that allows you to control it remotely.
Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tried dozens of robotic vacuums. She's a fan of the robovacs that offer the most convenience, such as self-emptying bins and charging docks that automatically empty and fill water tanks for mopping robots. She's also a fan of robots that recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cords, so they don't trip when climbing steps.
The Black and Decker model has a lower navigation score and less object-avoidance tech than the most popular models. It comes with a huge non-refillable dustbin as well as a long battery. Additionally, it comes with a feature that allows you to plan cleaning times and return to the place where it last stopped which makes it easier to cover larger homes. This model is also a great option for pet owners since it can spot and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles.
In our tests, we found that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined with a LIDAR (light) sensor which can identify obstacles and map rooms with a structured-light sensor to identify objects as well as detect edges. This combination lets it avoid stairs, droplets of liquid and furniture legs easily and save up to four floor maps for future references. It is also able to stop the cleaning process at any time and return to where it stopped, so you can do chores while the robot does its work. The app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options.
Although this robot isn't able to clean as well as our top-rated models but it excels in removing small particles like baking soda and sand, as well as heavier items like orzo pasta and metal screws. The only drawback is that it can't mop and has a less efficient navigation system.
The best for Carpet
If you have carpeting, pick an automatic vacuum that scores high for rug and carpet maneuverability and pickup. A lot of models are adept at cleaning dust from low-pile rugs. Some can be quite effective in sweeping up heavier debris such as orzo pasta and metal screws. They can't take in fine particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards.
The best option for carpeted homes is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop. It lets you swap in a cleaning bin and a damp mopping pad. The Roborock Q Revo, for instance, vacuums and a mops with circular pads that spin at 200 rotations per minute. It detects and lifts the pads when it comes into contact with carpet to prevent wetting the floor. Additionally, you do not need to take them off or replace them after each use. The Q Revo is also superior to other robot vacuum/mops at staying clear of obstacles, getting close to rugs and thresholds and eliminating obstacles.
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It performed well in our tests and you can program it to sweep your home even when you're away. 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 up and over furniture. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and excellent path planning for such a small device.
If you're looking to buy a high-tech vacuum, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great alternative. It has a large dock that can last for weeks without needing to be cleaned. It also has impressive ability to navigate and auto-empty on carpets and bare floors. It also has a clever mapping system, and can be set to only run during certain times (a useful feature to stop mischievous children and dextrous animals from running amok). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models, but it still manages to pick hair and pet hair extremely well. It's also the highest price of our top picks.
Ideal for Hard Floors
Robot vacuums are the best choice for hardwood floors, as they can maneuver through obstacles with ease without causing damage the surfaces that are not. They do an excellent job of removing crumbs and dust, but they aren't able to handle pet hair and larger debris. They also lack the suction power of a high-end upright or canister vacuum, so they're not the ideal option for rooms with carpets or upholstery that requires deep cleaning.
The most effective robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to do a complete job in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for models with an onboard sensor which detects any changes in floor texture and adjusts suction accordingly. This feature is available on the ECOVACS Deebot T9+ and allows it to move seamlessly from hard carpeting to soft carpeting.
If your home is primarily comprised 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. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors allow it to avoid dangers like stairs.
When it comes to mop pads, the eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually clean hardwood floors using downward pressure rather than wipe them over to remove light dust and dirt. The pads that are reusable reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned at docking stations to help save time. The mops can also be washed and dried to stop the spread of mold.
Both the robovac and mop can be controlled by your smartphone, making it easier to manage the device. For instance you can use the app to create a no-go zone where the vacuum can't go or mark rooms as separate or schedule cleaning sessions for specific areas. The eufy S1 Pro also has an auto-emptying dock that collects debris through a trapdoor, and puts it in a disposable or bagless bin, which means you don't have to manually empty the bin every time as you would with other models.
Best for Small Spaces
These robots are specifically designed to work in small spaces. They have smaller bins that can hold less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also fit underneath furniture where larger robots aren't able to reach. They tend to be cheaper than the pricier picks, however, you'll need to empty them manually from their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session.
A couple of years ago, robotic vacuums went through a major change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help navigate and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would get stuck on or run over. These advances decreased the amount of times that our testers had to clean up after a robotic snag whether it was a power cord, toy or pet waste.
The new sensors haven't eliminated all issues with these devices, however. The lower-end models are not able to tackle the same obstacles as older models, and they require some level of illumination to be able to see where they're going. If you are living in a dark space or have a lot of low-profile furniture, consider purchasing a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up picks do. This lets them avoid stairs and other barriers while working in the dark.
In addition to being capable of working in the dark, these models can be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they're close to or on the floor, not above them. It's important to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The lasers used by LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in a different room.
Some of the models we recommend let you set up virtual no-go zones to protect areas you do not want the robot move, which is useful if you have small children or pets. These features aren't included on all the models we've tested, so be sure to review our full reviews of the choices below before you make a purchase.