Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum is able to keep floors clean enough to decrease the frequency you have to manually vacuum. Pick a robot vacuum that is well-trained in navigation, has the ability to clean stairs and corners, and that has large bins that will need to be emptying every so often.
There are models that can mop and charge themselves, which is a feature essential for families with children or pets. The top performers in our tests also have good obstacle avoidance.
1. Roomba iRobot i3+ from iRobot EVO
The i3+ EVO and its sibling the i3 EVO are both identical robots that differ only in that the i3+ comes with self-emptying features. This makes the i3+ an excellent option for those looking for a hands-off, fully automated cleaning experience, but don't mind manually emptying their robot's dustbin when it fills up.
Both robots excel at picking up surface debris off carpets and hard floors and they're very adept at maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart map of your home to help the i3+ navigate and clean up efficiently. The i3+ isn't able to have the same obstacle avoidance capabilities as the i7+ or any other top-rated robots that we test. It may get stuck on power cords and socks, and may have trouble navigating between different surfaces, like rug and hardwood.
iRobot suggests that you clear areas in which the i3+ EVO will vacuum prior to when you use it, which includes putting away any clutter or toys it may encounter. It's also recommended to keep the dust bin and filter clean so they do not become blocked by dirt. If the i3+'s internal bin is empty or the battery is low it returns to the docking station, and it automatically emptys the dirt into the docking station’s external dustbin. robot cleaner continues cleaning where it started. The battery's lifespan is around an hour-and-a-half of continuous usage. It takes about three hours to charge.
2. iRobot i7+ Roomba
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the most powerful model in iRobot's flagship line and comes with all the latest features. It is self-charging and self-navigating, but the most significant feature is its auto-emptying bin. This removes the need for regular maintenance.
The Roomba I7+ is able to better map rooms with Imprint Smart Mapping. It also works with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning jobs, and you can control your robot via the app or by voice.
In our testing the i7+ performed quicker and more maneuverable than our top choice which was the eufy RoboVac G30, and it took large pieces of pet hair from all surface types including carpeting. Its main advantage over the eufy, though it self-empties its dust bin, which eliminates a major source of maintenance and reduces recurring costs.
We were also awestruck by the i7+'s compatibility Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AI services that we used to instruct the robot to begin, stop or pause its cleaning sessions and to move around the room, and even vacuum an area. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ to these services. After being connected, to voice commands to the i7+, such as "Hey Alexa vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home App also offers options for managing i7+ settings and monitoring the performance.
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
In a world of vacuums with cords that feel like minivans or buses, this small Dyson model feels like an old-fashioned sports car. It has the power and features to replace a stand-up vacuum in the majority of households, but it also fits in well next to a coffee table or on shelves that you can spin around like a magic device.
The V10 is powered with a Lithium-ion battery with 7 cells of energy that can provide energy that lasts for 60 minutes. The advanced whole-machine filtering system is able to trap allergens and then releases fresh air into your home. The specially designed head utilizes stiff nylon bristles that penetrate deep into carpets and collect large crumbs or fine dust. It has three different suction modes that can be adapted to the specific task. It can quickly change between handheld and floor vacuum and vice versa.
This model has a dock that can charge the Dyson to 100% within 3.5 hours. It also offers easy access to 2 attachments and the Wand. This is a significant improvement over earlier Dysons, which take a long time to charge and are a pain to store.
The main drawback of the V10 is its short run time. Its marketing claims that it has up to 60 minutes of run time are a bit misleading as CR's tests show. This is a common battery-powered cordless vacuum's run time. It's still enough time to vacuum the majority of a typical-sized home but not long enough to get every single area (though a second run-through usually will suffice). This model has its own advantages however: it's lighter and more maneuverable than earlier Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is significantly better on low-pile floor carpet.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
The 694 is a basic robotic vacuum that's a great choice for those who don't have a lot of money to invest in an expensive robot. It's capable of sucking up a variety of debris types and sizes during our testing, and it often passes over the same areas multiple times to get a really thorough clean. Its flat front design allows it to reach the corners and edges of walls.
Its navigation system is smart and uses iAdapt technology to steer clear of obstacles and help you navigate your home. However, it lacks the capabilities for mapping of more advanced models, such as our top picks, i3+EVO and j7+ Series. As a result, it may get stuck on things like phone cords and furniture that isn't in good condition, and frequently runs out of battery power before making it back to its original location.
The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in all aspects because it has fewer components that require regular maintenance, is fitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, incurs lower recurring costs, has more advanced automation capabilities and does a better job maneuvering itself. It also has a larger dustbin and charges faster.
The eufy RoboVac X8 is superior to the Roomba 694 for a variety of purposes, because it has a longer battery life, the ability to change its suction power mode on its own, comes with physical boundary strips, and can be operated by your phone's voice assistant. It also feels better-built, has a more powerful motor, and is able to perform better on bare floors and low-pile carpet, while providing a wider array of automation options.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a household name in the field of home electronics. It's not surprising, then, that they are also among the top manufacturers of robot vacuums and mop. Jet Bot AI+ has a cutting-edge onboard technology for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app offers a variety of options to customize your robotic cleaner. This includes mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior modifications docking frequency settings, and many more. The app is simple to use and understand, just like other Samsung devices.
In our tests during our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors. It cleaned up 86 percent of dog hair (on carpet). However, it didn't do particularly well at avoiding taller objects like cords and socks which was disappointing. It's also more expensive than some of the other models we tested which could be a problem for some shoppers.
The smart vacuum comes with an onboard camera that is accessible via the app. You can also create a live stream from the robot's cleaning station. This feature lets you to check in on your children or pets while you are away. The filter and the dustbin can be cleaned for the quick and easy cleaning. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with a self-emptying clean station, which helps to keep the robot's bin clear and maximizes suction power.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Contrary to other robotic vacuums that are specifically designed for carpets and hard floors, Black and Decker robots are specifically designed for hard floors. They come with a wide cleaning path and a larger dustbin that holds twice as much debris than other models to keep the area clean for the longest time. They also have two side sweepers for cleaning along edges and corners. The POWERSERIES model comes with AutoSense which adjusts the power level depending on whether it's picking up surface dirt or embedded dirt. The vacuum also has an app that allows you to view an interactive map, control functions, and schedules. You can also track the vacuum's status and send it to the dock for charging at the press of a single button. The app allows you to alter the LED lights on the top of the vacuum so that you can discern where it is focusing or if it has gotten stuck.
The app makes it possible to manually steer the robot, if necessary. For example my living room rug has a darkly-colored border that has a tendency to trip up some of the other robots I've tested. The HRV 425BL however continued to travel across the border, without notifying the high point. The ability to program weekly cleaning schedules is a fantastic time-saving feature.