So You ve Bought Robot Vac ... Now What

Top Rated Robot Vacuums

A robot vacuum is able to keep floors clean enough to decrease the frequency at which you'll need to manually vacuum. Choose a robot vacuum that is well-trained in navigation, is able to clean stairs and corners and has a large bin that will need to be emptied periodically.

There are models that can mop and charge themselves this is an option that is essential for families with children or pets. The top performers in our tests have excellent obstacles to avoid.

1. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO

The i3+ EVO is identical to its sibling i3 EVO. They differ only in the fact that the i3+ comes with self-emptying capabilities. The i3+ is a good option for those who want an automated, hands-free cleaning experience, but are willing to manually empty the dustbin of the robot when it is full.

Both robots are good in removing dirt and dust particles on carpets and hard floors and can maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software makes a smart maps of your home to help the i3+ navigate and clean efficiently. However, unlike the i7+ and other top rated robot vacuum-rated robots that we tested the i3+ does not have obstacle-avoidance capabilities and therefore it could get stuck on things like socks or power cords, and may have issues traversing transitions across surfaces like hardwood to rug.

iRobot recommends you clear out areas where the i3+ EVO will vacuum before you use it, including putting away any toys or clutter it may encounter. It is also recommended to keep the filters and dust bin clear to avoid getting blocked. When the i3+ EVO's internal bin is filled or the battery is empty, it returns to its docking station and automatically empties its debris into the station's external dustbin and continues cleaning the area where it left off. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for about an hour and a half of continuous use, and it takes around three hours to recharge.

2. Roomba by iRobot

The iRobot i7+ is the top model in iRobot's flagship line and is packed with the latest technology. It is self-charging and self-navigating, but the most significant feature is its best auto vacuum-emptying bin. This will eliminate the need for regular maintenance.

The Roomba i7+ can keep up to 10 floor plans and their names using Imprint Smart Mapping, an application that allows it to map rooms so it can clean them more efficiently. It also works with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning tasks, and you can control your robot vac through the app or voice.

The i7+ is faster and more maneuverable in our tests than the eufy RoboVac G30. It also removed large pet hair pieces from all surfaces, including carpeting. Its main advantage over the eufy, though it self cleaning vacuum-empties its dust bin that eliminates a major cause of maintenance and reduces the amount of time spent cleaning.

We were also impressed by the i7+'s compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AI services that we used to instruct the robot to start, stop or pause its cleaning sessions, move itself around the room, and even vacuum a specific space. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ with these services. After connecting, we were able to use the i7+'s voice commands, such as "Hey Alexa, vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home App also offers options to manage i7+ settings and monitoring performance.

3. Dyson Cyclone V10

In a world of vacuums that are cordless and look like minivans or buses, this tiny Dyson model is an automobile. It's powerful and has features to replace a stand-up vacuum for the majority of households however, it can also fit in well next to a coffee table or on shelves that you can spin around like the magic device.

The V10 is powered with a 7-cell energy-dense Lithium-ion battery that can provide energy that lasts for 60 minutes. Its sophisticated whole-machine filtration system removes allergens, and then releases cleaner air back into your home. The cleaning head is specially designed to drive bristles made of nylon that are stiff into carpet to collect large crumbs and fine dust. It has three different suction modes that can be adapted to the task. It quickly converts from handheld to floor vacuum, and then back to floor.

The model also comes with an accessory dock that can charge to 100% in about 3.5 hours and provides easy access to two attachments as well as an clip for a wand. This is a huge improvement over older Dysons, which take a long time to charge and are difficult to store.

The main issue with the V10 is its short running time. Its marketing claims that it has up to 60 minutes of running time are misleading, as CR's testing shows. This is a typical battery-powered vacuum's run time. It's enough time to sweep a typical-sized home but not enough to reach every spot. (A second pass generally works). This doesn't mean that this model doesn't have its advantages: It's lighter and agile than older cordless Dysons and its vacuuming performance is significantly better on carpets with low pile.

4. iRobot Roomba 694"

One of the most well-known robot vacuums the 694 is a basic model that's a great choice for people who don't wish to spend too much on a robotic. It's capable of sucking up most kinds of debris in our tests, and it frequently goes over the same areas many times to give a thorough clean. Its flat front end helps it reach into corners and along the walls' edges, which is a nice addition.

Its intelligent navigation system makes use of iAdapt to avoid obstacles and navigate your home, but it isn't equipped with the ability to map that comes with more sophisticated models like our top selections and the i3+ EVO and j7+ series. It can get stuck on phone cords or low furniture and is often unable to supply power before returning to its base.

The Xiaomi Mi robot is superior in many ways to the Roomba 694, as it has fewer components that require regular cleaning, is outfitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filtering system, has a lower recurring cost and is more sophisticated in its automation capabilities and is better able to 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, as it has a better battery life, can change its suction power mode on its own and has physical boundary strips, and can be operated by your phone's voice assistant. It is also more durable, has a more powerful motor, and performs notably better on floors that are bare and low-pile carpet, while providing a greater variety of automation features.

5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

Samsung is a household name in home electronics. It's not a surprise, then, that they are also among the top producers of robot vacuums and mop. Their Jet Bot AI+ is equipped with cutting-edge onboard tech for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

The app provides a range of options for customizing your robotic cleaner. These include virtual barriers, mopping levels and behavior modifications docking frequency settings, and more. It's easy to understand and is user-friendly, which is the case with other Samsung devices.

In our testing of the Jet Bot AI+ excelled on hard floors and handled dog hair (on carpet) quite well, cleaning up 86 percent of it. However, it did not do particularly well at avoiding larger 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 app lets you access the camera onboard of the smart vacuum. You can also set up live streaming from the robot's cleaning zone. This feature allows you to check in on your children or pets when you're away. The dustbin and filter can be cleaned for quick, easy cleanup. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with self-emptying clean stations, which helps keep the robot's bin clear and improves suction power.

6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum

Contrary to other robotic vacuums that are made for hard floors and carpets, Black and Decker robots are designed specifically for hard floors. They have an extra-wide cleaning path and dust bins that are 2 times larger than other models. This allows them to keep the area clean for longer. They also come with two side sweepers for cleaning around corners and edges. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also comes with AutoSense technology, which can tell whether it's picking up dirt or debris on the surface and then automatically adjusts the power level. It also includes a smart application that lets you browse the virtual map and control the functions and schedules. You can also track the status of the vacuum and then send it to its dock for charging at the touch of a single button. The app also allows you to customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum using different colors, so that you can easily identify the areas where it's focused or where it's stuck.

The app also makes it simple to manually steer the robot if needed. My living room rug for example has a dark-colored border which could cause a problem for other robots. The HRV 425BL however continued to travel across the border, without notifying the high point. Also, the ability to program the weekly cleaning schedule is a great time-saving convenience.