Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum is able to keep the floors clean enough to cut down on the frequency with which you'll need to manually vacuum. Choose one that has excellent navigation, is able to sweep corners and stairs, and has a large dust bin that requires emptying only once in a while.
There are models that mop and charge themselves, which is a feature important for families with pets or children. Many of the best performers in our tests have good obstacle avoidance.
1. Roomba iRobot i3+ from iRobot EVO
The i3+ EVO and its i3 EVO sibling, the i3 EVO are the same robots, but they differ in that the i3+ has self-emptying capabilities. This makes the i3+ a great option for those looking for an entirely automated, hands-free cleaning experience, but don't mind having to empty their dust bin manually when it is full.
Both robots do well picking up surface debris on carpets and hard floors, and they're excellent at moving around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software makes smart maps of your home that help the i3+ EVO to navigate and clean in a way that maximizes efficiency. However, unlike the i7+ or other top rated robots we evaluated the i3+ doesn't have obstacle-avoidance capabilities and therefore it could be stuck on things like power cords or socks, and it may have trouble navigating across surface transitions like from hardwood to rug.
best robot vacuum suggests that you clear areas where the i3+ EVO will vacuum prior to when you use it, which includes clearing out any clutter or toys it may come across. It is also recommended to keep the dustbin and filter clean to prevent them from becoming clogged. When the i3+ EVO's internal bin is filled or the battery is empty it will return to its docking station and automatically emptying its trash into the station's external dustbin, and then continues cleaning where it began. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for approximately an hour and a half of continuous use, and takes about three hours to fully recharge.
2. iRobot i7+ Roomba
The iRobot i7+ is the top model in iRobot's flagship line and is packed with the latest features. It's self-charging and self-navigating. -- the most important feature of all -- it comes with an auto-emptying dustbin, which eliminates one of the most important sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
The Roomba i7+ is able to remember up to 10 floor plans and their names with Imprint Smart Mapping, which allows it to identify rooms to clean them more efficiently. It also works with the iRobot Home app to let you schedule cleaning jobs and direct your robot by voice or via the app.
The i7+ is faster and more agile in our tests than the eufy RoboVac G30. It also cleaned large pet hair pieces from all surfaces, including carpeting. The biggest benefit over the eufy the dust bin is self-emptying that removes a major source of maintenance and lowers the cost of maintenance.
We were also amazed by the i7+'s integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AI services, which we used to instruct the robot to begin, stop or pause its cleaning sessions and move around the room and sweep an area. The process of connecting the i7+ to these services was simple and easy with the iRobot Home app. 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 the performance.
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
This tiny Dyson model is an all-sports car in a sea of cordless vacuums that feel like minivans and buses. It's powerful and has features to replace a stand-up vacuum in many households however, it can also fit in well next to a coffee table or on shelves that you can spin around like a magic tool.
The V10 is powered by a 7-cell, high-energy lithium-ion battery that can provide energy that is not faded for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filtration system traps allergens and releases cleaner air back into your home. The specially designed head utilizes stiff nylon bristles that penetrate deep into carpets and pick up large crumbs or fine dust. It has three suction modes to suit the task that is being completed. It can quickly change from handheld to floor vacuum and vice versa.
This model also has docks that charge to 100% in 3.5 hours and provides an easy access to two attachments as well as the clip for a wand. This is a significant improvement over previous Dysons that require a long charge and are difficult to store.
The main drawback of the V10 is its limited run time. The tests conducted by CR show that its claims to run up to 60 minutes are not true. This is an average and not a remarkable time for a battery-powered cordless vac. This is enough time to sweep the typical home but not enough to reach every spot. (A second run is usually sufficient). This model has its own advantages, however: it's lighter and more mobile than previous Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is significantly better for carpet floors with low pile.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
The 694 is a standard robot vacuum that's a great option for those who don't have a lot of money to spend on the latest model of robot. It could pick up most types of debris and sizes during our tests, and frequently went over the same area multiple times to give an extensive clean. Its flat front allows it to reach corners and the edges of walls.
Its navigation system is smart and uses iAdapt technology to avoid obstacles and guide you through your home. However, it isn't equipped with the capabilities for mapping of more advanced models, such as our top picks, i3+EVO and j7+ Series. It is prone to getting stuck on phone cords or low furniture and often runs out of power before returning to its base.
The Xiaomi Mi robot is superior in many ways over the Roomba 694 in that it has less parts that require regular cleaning, comes with an allergen-trapping HEPA filtering system, incurs lower costs for recurring expenses, is more sophisticated in its automation capabilities and can better move itself. It also has a bigger dustbin and can charge faster.
The eufy RoboVac X8 is superior to the Roomba 694 for most purposes, because it has a better battery life, can change its suction power mode manually and comes with physical boundary strips, and can be controlled by your smartphone's voice assistant. It is also more durable, has a more powerful motor, and works better on floors that are bare and carpets with low pile, while providing a greater variety of automation features.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a brand you see on all sorts of home electronics, so it comes as no surprise that they're one of the most reputable mop and robot vacuum manufacturers. Their Jet Bot AI+ is equipped with cutting-edge onboard technology to aid in 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 much more. The app is simple to learn and use similar to other Samsung devices.
In our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors, and it cleaned up 86 percent of dog hair (on carpet). However, it didn't do particularly well at avoiding larger objects, like cords and socks, which was disappointing. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other models we tried and could be a problem for some buyers.
The smart vacuum has an onboard camera that can be accessed through the app. best robot vacuums can also create a live stream from the robot's cleaning station. This feature allows you to check in on your children or pets when you're away. The dustbin and filter can be washed for quick, painless cleanup. The Jet Bot AI+ also has a clean station that self-empties, which helps keep the robot's trash bin clean and maximizes suction power for each cleaning run.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Black and Decker robots have been designed specifically for hard flooring. They come with a wide cleaning path and a larger dust bin that can hold 2X more debris than the competition to keep the area clean for the longest time. In addition, they have two side sweepers to clean along edges and in corners. The POWERSERIES Extreme model comes with AutoSense technology, which senses the presence of dirt on surfaces or embedded dirt and then automatically adjusts its power level. It also includes a smart application that lets you see the virtual map, and control the functions and schedules. Additionally, you can track the status of the vacuum's battery and return it to its dock for charging at the push of the button. The app also allows you to customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum using different colors so 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 in the event of need. My living room rug, for instance has a dark-colored border which could cause a problem for other robots. The HRV 425BL, however was able to continue to move across the border without registering the cliff. Also, the ability to set up a weekly cleaning schedule is a fantastic time-saving feature.