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How to Choose the Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner A robot vacuum can help you save time and hassle when it comes to regular cleaning. Top performers are good at getting rid of dust, light debris and cords. The higher-end models even sweep your floors, though they aren't able to climb the stairs. Look for models that have intelligent mapping, real-time hazard avoidance and large self-emptying bins. Best Overall The top robots that we tested are efficient, easy to use, and are able to cope with everyday debris. You'll want a robot with decent carpet-picking capability and the capability to climb stairs. And, if you're looking for extra features, you might be interested in a robot with smart mapping technology or an application that allows you to control the robot remotely. Camryn Rabideau is a contributing reviewer and writer for shopping at PEOPLE who has tested many robotic vacuums. She prefers the ones with the most conveniences, such as those that have self-emptying bins and charging stations that automatically empty and fill water tanks to mop robotic vacuums. She also likes robots that can recognize landmarks such as furniture legs and power cables, so they won't trip up when climbing stairs. This robot from Black and Decker has a lower score on navigation and has less object-avoidance technology than the best-rated models. However, it has an ample dust bin that doesn't need frequent emptying and a long battery life. Additionally, it has an option that allows you to schedule cleaning sessions and then return to the spot the last time it was used, making it easier to tackle larger homes. This model is also a good option for pet owners as it is able to identify 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 using a structured-light sensor that can identify objects and detect edges. It can avoid the steps, liquid droplets and furniture legs easily with this combination. It can also save up to four floor plans for later use. It is able to stop and restart cleaning at any time, meaning that you can continue with your chores while it works. The app provides an interactive 3D model of your home, with room labels and advanced cleaning options. This robot is not as effective at cleaning as our top models, but it is a pro in picking up larger items like orzo pasta, metal screws and fine particles such as sand. The only drawbacks are that it isn't able to mop, and its navigation system is a little less impressive. Best for Carpet If you have carpeting, select an automatic vacuum with a high rating for rug and carpet ability to maneuver and pick up. Many models do a good job of removing dust that is embedded in carpets with low pile, and several are capable of cleaning up larger debris such as orzo pasta, metal screws, and pet hair. However, they can't handle fine particles like canister or upright vacuums and can be unable to pick up dirt in the vicinity of baseboards and thresholds. For carpeted homes the 2-in-1 robot vacuum is the best choice. It is possible to swap out a cleaning bin for a damp mopping mat. The Roborock Q Revo, for example, is a vacuum cleaner and mops with circular pads that spin at a rate of 200 rotations per minute. It detects and raises the pads when it encounters carpet to avoid wetting the floor, and you don't have to take them off or replace them after every use. The Q Revo is also more efficient than other robot vacuums/mops when it comes to keeping away from obstacles and being close to carpets and thresholds. The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is another good option. It was a great performer in our tests and you can program it to clean your home even when you're away. It can be set to only mop. We liked its navigation on floors with no flooring and carpets. The Combo i5 also has a very long run time and a great path-planning feature for a device of this size. If you're looking for a high-tech vacuum, the 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 emptied, and it has amazing navigation abilities and automatic emptying on carpets and floors. It also has a smart-mapping feature and can be programmed to operate during certain hours of the day (a handy feature for keeping the sly kids and pets from causing havoc). The Shark is less powerful than other mop/robot combination models however it still picks hair and pet hair with a high degree of accuracy. It's also the best value of our top choices. Best for Hard Flooring Robot vacuums are the best choice for floors with hardwood floors because they can navigate around obstacles easily without damaging bare surfaces. They are excellent at of picking up dust and crumbs, however they are unable to deal with pet hair and other large debris. They lack the suction of the top canister or upright vacuum, which makes them a poor choice for deep cleaning carpeted or upholstery areas. The most effective robots are those that come with two-in-one features, combining a vacuum with a mop to complete the job in one step. Find models that have an onboard sensor that can detect changes in the floor texture and adjust suction accordingly. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T9+ for instance, comes with this feature and can transition seamlessly from soft to hard carpeting. If robot vacuum cleaners have a lot of hardwood flooring in your home, you may want to consider a robot mop and vacuum combination like the Eufy S1 Pro. This model uses an efficient robot vacuum with intelligent navigation to clean hardwood and other hard surfaces, plus it has the ability to mop as well. The sensors in it allow it to avoid hazards such as stairs. When it comes to mops the Eufy S1 Pro is designed to actually wash hardwood floors using downward pressure, rather than wipe them clean to remove dirt and dust. Its reusable pads reduce waste and spread fewer germs. They can also be cleaned in docking stations to help save time. They can also be dried, washed, and used again. The robovac is controlled via your smartphone, making it easier to use. For instance, you can make use of the app to create zones that the vacuum will not enter, or to label rooms and plan specific cleaning times. The eufy S1 Pro has an auto-emptying port that collects debris via trapdoors, and then stores it into a bagless or disposable bin. This means that you don't have to empty the bin manually as often as other models. Best suited for small Spaces As the name implies, these robots are best suited for small areas. They have smaller bins that contain less debris, and they're more efficient than the larger models when it comes to navigating tight corners. They can also be tucked under furniture, whereas bigger robots struggle to reach. These robots are also cheaper than higher-end models, but you'll have to empty their dirt compartments manually at the end of each cleaning session. A few years ago, robot vacuums underwent a significant change when manufacturers started adding sensors to help them navigate around and avoid household objects that traditional sensors would be stuck on or over. The improvements in technology reduced the number of times that our testers were required to clean up after a robotic incident. However, the latest sensors haven't resolved all of the problems these machines have. The cheapest models still struggle with the same issues that the older ones faced, and many of them need a certain amount of light to be able see where they're headed. If you reside in a dark area or have lots of furniture that is low-profile, think about buying a model that utilizes top-mounted spinning LIDAR units to map your space like our top overall and runner-up choices do. This will allow them to avoid obstacles like stairs and other ones 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 close to or on the floor, not when they're above them. It's essential to cover mirrors to prevent this from happening. The laser used by the LIDAR-based models can bounce off reflective surfaces, which makes the robot think it's in another room. Some of the models that we recommend allow you to create virtual no-go zones for areas that you don't want the robot to visit. This is a great option for those with small children or pets. These features aren't on all models we test. Check out our complete reviews before making your choice.