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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner A robot vacuum will save you a lot of time and effort in the case of regular touch-ups. The best models are capable of picking up dust, light debris and cords. The most expensive models can even mop your floor but they aren't able to climb up the stairs. Look for models with smart mapping, real-time hazard avoidance, and spacious self-emptying bins. Best Overall The top robots we've tested in our testing are efficient and easy to use and are able to cope with the everyday messes. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking power and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you may be interested in a robot that uses smart mapping technology, or an app that lets you control the robot remotely. Camryn Rabideau, a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE and a product reviewer who has tried numerous robotic vacuums , is recognized for her testing of dozens of robot vacuums. She prefers the robovacs with the most features such as those with self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and refill the water tanks used to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes the robots that can recognize landmarks like furniture legs and power cords, so they don't get caught when climbing steps. When compared to the top-rated models this Black and Decker robot vacuum has less object-avoidance technology, and its navigation score is lower. However, it does have a large dustbin that doesn't require regular emptying and has a lengthy battery life. In addition, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot where it last stopped and makes it much easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a great choice for pet owners because it is able to identify and prevent tangled hair as well as fallen food particles. In our tests, we discovered that the Roborock S8 Pro Ultra combined a LIDAR (light) sensor that 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 for future use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, so that you can continue with your chores while it works. The included app offers an interactive 3D model of your home, room labels and more advanced cleaning options. The robot isn't as good at cleaning as our top models, however it is a pro in removing heavier objects like orzo pasta, metal screws and even fine particles like sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop and its navigation system is less impressive. The best for Carpet If you have carpeting in your home, you should look for a vacuum that has excellent pickup and good maneuverability scores on carpet and rug. Many models do a decent job of picking up dust embedded in low-pile carpet, and several do a decent job at cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws and pet hair. They aren't able to pick up small particles like an upright canister, and may miss dirt close to thresholds or baseboards. The best choice for most carpeted areas is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop, which lets you swap in a cleaning bin and mopping pad with damp. The Roborock Q Revo is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum/mop that can clean and mop at the same time with circular pads that spin at 200 rpm. It recognizes and raises its pads when they come into contact with carpets, preventing the floor from getting wet. You don't have remove them or replace them every time. The Q Revo is also better than other robot vacuums and mops in avoiding obstacles such as rugs and thresholds and avoiding obstacles. The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another solid option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to clean your home while you are away. It can be set up to only mop. We loved its navigation on floors that are not bare and rug. The Combo i5 also has a very long runtime and a great path-planning feature for such a small device. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line vacuum that is high-tech, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is a great option. It comes with a large charging dock that can run for months without needing to be empty and has amazing navigation capabilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a clever mapping system and can be programmed to only run for certain times (a useful feature for keeping the sly children and animals from running amok). The Shark has less powerful suction than some other mop/robot combos, but its still very good at picking up hair and pet hair. It is the most affordable of our top choices. The best choice for hardwood floors Robot vacuums are the best pick for hardwood floors because they can easily maneuver around obstacles without damaging surfaces that are not bare. They are great for removing dust and crumbs, but struggle with pet hair or larger debris. They don't have the suction of a high-end canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas. The best robots are two-in-one, which combine mop and vacuum to complete the job in one go. If you have floors that are mixed, look for one with an onboard sensor which detects changes in the floor's texture and adjusts suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can go seamlessly from hard to soft carpeting. If you have lots of hardwood flooring in your home, you might want to consider a robotic mop and vacuum combo like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses a powerful robotic vacuum that has smart navigation to clean hardwood floors and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it has the ability to mop as well. Its sensors assist it in avoiding the stairs and other hazards, so you don't need to worry about the robot falling down the stairs and damaging your hardwood. The Eufy S1 Pro mop is designed to clean hardwood floors by applying downward pressure, not simply swab them to remove dirt and dust. The mop pads that are reusable reduce the amount of waste and spread germs less and can be cleaned at the docking station, saving you time. The mop pads can also be dried, washed, and used again. The robovac can be operated by your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can, use the app to create no-go zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms, or schedule specific cleaning sessions. 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 like you do with other models. Ideal for small Spaces As the name implies, these robots are best to be used in small spaces. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas larger robots struggle to get in. They are generally less expensive than the pricier picks, too, although you'll need to empty their dirt compartments at the end of each cleaning session. A few years back robot vacuums underwent a major change. Manufacturers began adding sensors that helped them avoid household items that their conventional sensors might become stuck on or run across. These improvements reduced the number times our testers were required to clean up after a robotic accident. However, the new sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same obstacles that the older ones faced, and many of them require a certain amount light to see where they're going. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of low-profile furniture, consider buying a model that utilizes a top-mounted spinning LIDAR unit to map your area, as our top overall and runner-up choices do. This lets them work in darkness and avoid obstacles such as stairs. They can also be programmed to use their cliff sensors only when they are in or near the ground, and not when they are above it. It is still recommended to cover any mirrors that may interfere with this function, though, as the laser used by a laser-based model can bounce off reflective surfaces, causing the robot to believe it's in another room. A few of the models we recommend also allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas you do not want the robot go, which is beneficial if you have small pets or children. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before deciding.