In the past few years, no product I’ve tested has advanced as quickly as the humble robot vacuum. Long ago, they were mostly annoying devices that fell off steps and got stuck on rugs. Now you can now find robot vacs at every price point with an incredible array of features, including mapping capabilities, self-emptying bins, and even cameras.
Vacuuming an ever-changing household is a complicated task, and no robot vacuum is perfect. However, I test them in one of the most challenging environments possible—a carpeted, two-story family home with messy kids and a shedding dog—and personally, I find them indispensable. Whether you’re drowning in cat hair, need to lighten your chore load, or just want to spend more time with your family, we have a pick that will help.
Looking for other handy home items? Be sure to check out our other buying guides, including the Best Air Purifiers and the Best Pots and Pans.
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Updated December 2022: We added new information about iRobot’s acquisition by Amazon, added the Shark AI Ultra and the Eufy L35+ Hybrid, and cut a few older units.
