Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Robot vacuums have become indispensable in the cleaning routines of many households -- an estimated 14% of Americans now own one. You don't have to live in the Jetsons to have a robot roaming around your home cleaning up after your kids and pets.
Though iRobot was a groundbreaking robot vacuum brand in the US, the market has grown exponentially in the past five years. In an attempt to keep up with increasing consumer demand, new and existing vacuum brands have entered the robotics market, reaching the point of saturation. This has made it harder to choose a device when shopping for a robot vacuum.
Also: The best robot vacuums for 2026: Expert tested and reviewed
Choosing a brand and a robot vacuum can be challenging, with numerous options available, including self-washing mops, strong suction power, self-emptying dustbins, and additional accessories and features. Our mission at ZDNET is to identify which features are best suited for which individuals and which vacuums are the most effective on the market through comprehensive testing and research.
How we test robot vacuums in 2026
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
ZDNET has several staff reviewers testing robot vacuums to deliver clear, unbiased reviews and information that helps readers choose the best robot vacuum for their needs. To date, we've tested around 30 robot vacuums, including robot vacuum mop combos.
As a smart home enthusiast and robot vacuum fanatic, I enjoy testing robot vacuums in my home, where I can expose these devices to various environments and phenomena, often triggered by my dog or young children. Simultaneously, ZDNET has a separate laboratory to conduct controlled testing and evaluation. This guide will cover how we test robot vacuums in each environment.
What makes a robot vacuum ZDNET recommended?
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