Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum will keep floors clean enough to reduce the frequency you'll need to manually vacuum. Choose a robot vacuum that is well-trained in navigation, is able to clean stairs and corners, and that has large bins that only needs to be cleaned out every now and then.
There are models that mop and charge themselves, which is a feature that is essential for families with children or pets. The top performers in our tests have great ability to overcome obstacles.
1. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO is identical to its sibling, the i3 EVO. They differ only in the fact that the i3+ comes with self-emptying capabilities. This makes the i3+ an excellent option for those who want an automated, hands-free cleaning experience, but don't mind having to empty their dust bin manually when it fills up.
Both robots do well picking up surface debris off hard floors and carpets, and they are very good in moving around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software makes a smart maps of your home that aid the i3+ in its navigation and clean efficiently. The i3+ doesn't have the same obstacle avoidance capabilities as the i7+ or other top-rated robots that we test. It may get stuck on power cords or socks and have difficulty navigating between different surfaces like rug and hardwood.
iRobot recommends clearing areas in which the i3+ EVO will vacuum prior to when you use it, including clearing out any clutter or toys it may come across. It's also recommended to keep the bin and filter clear so they don't become clogged with dirt. When the i3+ EVO's internal bin is empty or the battery is low it returns to the docking station and emptys the dirt into the docking station’s external dustbin. It then continues cleaning from where it started. The i3+ EVO's battery lasts for about an hour and a half continuous use, and it takes about three hours to recharge.
2. Roomba from iRobot
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the top model in iRobot's flagship line and comes with all the latest features. It's self-charging, self-navigating, and the most crucial feature of all -- it has a self-emptying dustbin that eliminates one of the primary sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
best affordable robot vacuum i7+ can remember up to 10 floor plans and their names thanks to Imprint Smart Mapping, an application that allows it to map rooms so it can clean them more efficiently. It also integrates with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning tasks, and you can direct your robot using the app or via voice.
The i7+ is quicker and more maneuverable in our tests than the eufy RoboVac G30. It also removed large pet hair pieces from all surfaces including carpeting. Its biggest advantage over the eufy, though the dust bin is self-emptying that eliminates a major cause of maintenance and cuts down on recurring costs.
We were also awestruck by the i7+'s compatibility Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AI services which we used to instruct the robot to start, stop or pause its cleaning routines and to move around the room and sweep a specific space. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ to these services. We were able, once connected, to give voice commands to the i7+ such as "Hey Alexa vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home App also offers options to manage i7+ settings and evaluating performance.
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
In a world of vacuums that are cordless and feel like minivans or buses, this small Dyson model feels like an automobile. It's powerful and has features to replace a stand-up vacuum in most households and can fit perfectly next to the table for a coffee or shelves that you can spin around like a magic wand.
The V10 is powered by a 7-cell high-energy lithium-ion battery that can provide continuous, non-fading power for 60 minutes. The advanced whole-machine filtering system is able to trap allergens and then releases fresh air into your home. Its specialized head uses stiff nylon bristles to drive deep into carpets and collect large crumbs or fine dust. It comes with three suction modes to meet the task that is being completed. It quickly switches from floor vac to handheld vacuum and back.
The model also comes with an accessory dock that can charge to 100% in about 3.5 hours and provides an easy access to two attachments as well as a Wand clip. This is a significant improvement over earlier Dysons that require a lengthy charge and are difficult to store.
The main drawback of the V10 is its short run time. Its claims on the market that it can provide up to 60 minutes of running time are misleading as CR's tests show. This is a typical, not an exceptional, run time for an electric cordless vacuum powered by batteries. That's still enough run time to clean most of a home that's average size however, it's not enough to cover every area (though the second time around usually does the trick). This model has its own advantages however: it's lighter and more maneuverable than older Dysons cordless models, and its vacuuming ability is noticeably superior on low-pile floor carpet.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
One of iRobot's most adored robot vacuums the 694 is an entry-level model that's an excellent choice for people who don't wish to spend too much money on a robot. It was able to pick up the majority of types of debris in our testing and often went over the same area multiple times to give an efficient clean. The flat front of the unit allows it reach into corners and along the walls' edges, which is a nice addition.
Its navigation system is smart and uses iAdapt to avoid obstacles and navigate your home, but it lacks the mapping capabilities of more sophisticated models like our top choices, the i3+ EVO and the j7+ series. As a result, it can sometimes get stuck on things like phone cords and furniture that isn't as sturdy, and frequently will run out of battery before returning to its original location.
The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in many ways because it has fewer components that require regular maintenance It also comes with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, incurs lower costs for recurring maintenance, has more advanced automation capabilities and is more efficient in maneuvering itself. It also has a larger dustbin and can charge faster.
The elegant RoboVac X8 is superior to the Roomba 694 for most purposes, as it has a longer battery life, the ability to change its suction power mode on its own, comes with physical boundary strips, and is operated by your phone's voice assistant. It also feels better-built and has a stronger motor, and works better on both bare floors and low-pile carpet, while providing a greater variety of features for automation.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a household name in home electronics. It's not surprising, then, that they are one of the top makers of robot vacuums and mop. Their Jet Bot AI+ is packed with cutting-edge onboard tech for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app offers a variety of options to customize your robotic cleaner, such as 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 during our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors, and it cleaned up 86% of dog hair (on carpet). However, it didn't do particularly well with larger objects, like cords and socks, which was disappointing. It's priced higher than other models we've tested and this could be a deterrent for certain shoppers.
The smart vacuum has an onboard camera that you can access via the app, and you can also set up a live streaming from the robot's cleaning station. This feature lets you monitor your pets or children when you're away from home. The dustbin and the filter can be washed for the quick and easy cleaning. The Jet Bot AI+ also comes with a clean and tidy station that self-empties, which helps keep the robot's dustbin clean and optimizes suction power for each cleaning.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Black and Decker robots are designed specifically for flooring made of hard wood. They come with a wide cleaning path as well as a large dustbin that holds twice as much debris than other models to keep the cleaning area clear for maximum runtime. They also have two side sweepers for cleaning around corners and edges. The POWERSERIES model includes AutoSense which adjusts the power level according to whether it's picking up dirt on the surface or embedded dirt. The vacuum also comes with an app that allows users to see an interactive map, control functions, and create schedules. Additionally, you can track the vacuum's battery status and then return it to its dock to charge at the push of one button. The app also allows you to customize the lights on top of the vacuum with different colors, so that you can clearly see which areas it's focused on or where it's gotten stuck.
The application also allows you to manually steer the robot if needed. My living room rug, for example is darkly colored which could cause a problem for other robots. However, the HRV 425BL continued to move across the border, but it didn't register it as a cliff. Also, the ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule is a fantastic time-saving feature.
