Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum can keep floors clean enough to reduce the frequency at which you'll need to manually vacuum. Find one that has an easy navigation, can clean stairs and corners and also has a large dust bin that requires emptying only every few times.
There are also models that clean and charge on their own, a feature that may be beneficial for those with pets or children. The top performers in our tests also offer decent obstacle-avoiding capabilities.
1. Roomba iRobot i3+ from iRobot EVO
The i3+ EVO and its i3 EVO sibling the i3 EVO, are identical robots that differ only in that the i3+ comes with self-emptying features. This makes the i3+ a good option for those who want a hands-off, fully automated cleaning experience, but aren't afraid of taking the time to empty their robot's trash bin as it gets full.
Both robots do well cleaning up surface debris from hard floors and carpets, and they're very adept in getting around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart map of your home to help the i3+ navigate and clean efficiently. However, unlike the i7+ or other top-rated robots that we evaluated the i3+ doesn't have any obstacle-avoidance features which means it can get stuck on things such as socks or power cords and it can have difficulty traversing transitions across surfaces, such as from hardwood to carpet.
iRobot recommends clearing areas that the i3+ EVO will vacuum before you use it, including putting away any clutter or toys it may come across. It is also recommended to keep the dustbin and filters clear to avoid becoming clogged. When the i3+'s internal bin is full or its battery is depleted, it returns to its docking station, automatically emptying its debris into the station's external dustbin and continues cleaning where it left off. The battery's life span is approximately an hour and a half of constant use. It takes three hours to charge.
2. Roomba from iRobot
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the most powerful model in iRobot's flagship line and has the most up-to-date features. It's self-charging and self-navigating. -- the most important feature of all -- it comes with a self-emptying dustbin that eliminates one of the primary sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
The Roomba I7+ can better map rooms with Imprint Smart Mapping. It also works with the iRobot Home app to let you schedule cleaning jobs and direct your robot by voice or via the app.
In our testing, the i7+ was more agile and faster than our second-placed model and the eufy RoboVac G30, and it removed large chunks of pet hair from all surface types, including carpeting. The biggest advantage over the Eufy is its self-emptying garbage bin which eliminates major sources of maintenance and reduces the cost of maintenance.
We were also awestruck by the i7+'s compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We utilized these services to instruct the robot on how to begin, stop, or pause cleaning sessions as well as move around the room, and vacuum a particular area. The process of connecting the i7+ to these services was easy and straightforward through the iRobot Home app. After being connected, to speak commands to the i7+ for example "Hey Alexa vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home app also provides options for managing the i7+'s settings and monitoring its performance.
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
This tiny Dyson model is a sports car that is amidst a sea of vacuums with cords that feel like minivans and buses. It's powerful enough to replace a traditional stand-up vacuum in the majority of homes, but it is also compact enough to fit on a bookcase or coffee table.
The V10 is powered by a 7-cell energy-dense lithium-ion battery that produces energy that is not faded for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filter system removes allergens, and then releases clean air back into your home. Its cleaning head is specially designed and drives bristles made of nylon that are stiff into carpets to trap large particles and fine dust. It has three suction modes that can be adapted to the specific task. It quickly converts from handheld vacuum to floor vacuum and back again.
This model also has a dock that charges to 100% in about 3.5 hours, and gives users easy access to two attachments as well as a clip for a wand. This is a huge improvement over older Dysons that require a lengthy charge and are difficult to store.
The main issue with the V10 is its short running time. The tests conducted by CR show that its advertising claims of up to 60 minutes are not true. This is an average, not an exceptional, time to run the battery-powered cordless vacuum. It's enough time to sweep the typical home however, it's not enough time to reach every area. (A second pass usually works). This model has its own advantages however: it's light and more maneuverable than older Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is noticeably superior on low-pile floor carpet.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
One of iRobot's most adored robot vacuums The 694 is a basic model that's a good option for those who don't wish to spend too much on a robotic. It could pick up most types of debris and sizes in our tests and would often go over the same area several times to ensure a thorough clean. The flat front of the unit allows it reach into corners and along the walls' edges, which is a nice feature.
Its navigation system is smart and uses iAdapt technology to steer clear of obstacles and navigate your home. It's not equipped with the ability to map that is found in more advanced models, including our top picks, the i3+EVO and J7+ Series. As a result, it is sometimes stuck on things like phone cords and furniture that isn't in good condition, and often runs out of battery power before returning to its home base.
The Xiaomi Mi robot is superior in many ways to the Roomba 694, as it has fewer parts that require regular cleaning, is equipped with an allergen-trapping HEPA filtration system, incurs lower costs for recurring expenses and has more advanced automation capabilities and is better able to move its own. It also has a bigger dustbin, and charges more quickly.
The sleek RoboVac X8 has a superior battery life than the Roomba 694. It also comes with physical boundaries strips that can be controlled by the voice assistant on your smartphone. It's also more durable, has a stronger motor, and performs better on low-pile and bare floors.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a well-known brand in the field of home electronics. It's not a surprise that they are one of the top makers of robot vacuums and mop. Jet Bot AI+ has the most advanced onboard technology for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app provides plenty of options to personalize your robotic cleaner, including virtual barriers, mopping water levels and behavior adjustments, docking frequency settings, and more. It's easy to understand and is user-friendly, which is the case with other Samsung devices.
In our tests of the Jet Bot AI+ excelled on hard floors and dealt with dog hair (on carpet) quite well, clearing up 86% of it. However, it didn't do particularly well with taller objects like cords and socks, which was disappointing. It's also more expensive than other models we've tested, and this could be a deterrent for certain shoppers.
The smart vacuum comes with an onboard camera that you can access via the app. You can also create a live stream from the robot's cleaning station. This feature allows you to keep track of your pets or children when you're away from home. The dustbin and the filter can be cleaned to ensure an easy, quick clean-up. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with self-emptying clean stations, which helps keep the bin clean and optimizes suction power.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
In contrast to other robotic vacuums that are specifically designed for hard floors and carpets, Black and Decker robots are designed specifically for hard floors. They come with a wide cleaning path and an extra-large dustbin that holds twice as much debris than other models to keep the cleaning area free of debris for the longest period of time. In addition, they have two side sweepers that clean up around edges and in corners. The POWERSERIES model includes AutoSense, which automatically adjusts the power level according to whether it's picking up dirt on the surface or embedded dirt. It also has a smart app that lets you view the virtual map, and control the functions and schedules. Additionally, you can track the battery's status and send it back to its dock to charge by pressing the button. smart vacuum cleaner allows you to modify the LEDs on the top of the vacuum to determine where it is focused or if it has gotten stuck.
The app makes it possible to manually steer the robot when needed. My living room rug, for instance has a dark-colored border that can trip up some other robots. However the HRV 425BL kept moving across the border without registering it as an incline. The ability to create weekly cleaning schedules is a great time-saving convenience.