Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum will keep the floors clean enough to cut down on the frequency with which you need to manually vacuum. Find one that has good navigation, can sweep corners and stairs and also has a large dust bin that needs emptying only every few times.
You can also find models that clean and charge themselves which can be essential for those who have children or pets. The top performers in our tests have excellent obstacles to avoid.
1. IRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO and its sibling the i3 EVO are both identical robots that differ only in that the i3+ has self-emptying features. That makes the i3+ an excellent option for those who want a hands-off, fully automated vacuum cleaner cleaning experience but don't mind having to empty their dust bin manually as it gets full.
Both robots excel at picking up surface debris on carpets and hard floors and they're very adept in maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart maps of your home that help the i3+ EVO navigate and clean in a manner that maximizes efficiency. The i3+ doesn't feature obstacle avoidance features like the i7+ or other top-rated robots we test. It could be stuck on power cords or socks, and may have trouble navigating between different surfaces, like hardwood and rug.
iRobot recommends clearing areas in which the i3+ EVO will vacuum prior to when you use it, which includes getting rid of any toys or clutter it may encounter. Also, keep the dustbin and filter clear to avoid becoming clogged. When the i3+ EVO's internal bin is full or its battery is low it goes back to its docking station, automatically emptying its dirt into the station's external dustbin and then resumes cleaning where it left off. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for about an hour and a half of continuous use. It takes around three hours to recharge.
2. iRobot Roomba i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the top model in the iRobot flagship line and comes with all the latest features. It is self-charging and self-navigating. But the most significant feature is its self-emptying bin. This eliminates 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 lets it identify rooms to clean them more efficiently. It also works with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning tasks, and you can control your robot via the app or by voice.
The i7+ is quicker and more agile 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 the dust bin is self-emptying which removes a major source of maintenance and reduces recurring costs.
We were also impressed with the i7+'s compatibility Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We used these services to instruct the robot to begin, stop, or pause cleaning sessions, as well as to move around the room, and to vacuum a particular area. The process of connecting the i7+ to these services was simple and straightforward through the iRobot Home app. We were able, once 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
In a world full of vacuums that are cordless and feel like minivans or buses, this tiny Dyson model feels like an old-fashioned sports car. It is powerful enough to replace a traditional stand-up vacuum in the majority of homes, yet it is also small enough to fit on a coffee table or bookcase.
The V10 is powered with a 7-cell energy-dense Lithium-ion battery that can provide energy that lasts for 60 minutes. The advanced whole-machine filtering system traps allergens, then lets cleaner air into your home. Its specialized head uses stiff nylon bristles that penetrate deep into carpets and pick up large crumbs or fine dust. It has three suction modes that can be adjusted to the task. It swiftly switches from handheld to Best Automatic Floor Cleaner vacuum, and then back to automatic floor vacuum.
This model has a dock that can charge the Dyson to 100% within 3.5 hours. It also gives an easy access to two attachments as well as an wand. This is a major improvement over older Dysons which require a long charge and are difficult to store.
The biggest issue with the V10 is its short run time. The claims of its marketing that it can provide up to 60 minutes of running time are misleading, as CR's testing shows. This is a typical, not exceptional, battery-powered vacuum's run time. It's still enough time to vacuum the majority of a typical-sized home, but not quite long enough to get every single area (though an additional run-through often does the trick). This model has its own advantages however: it's light and more maneuverable than older Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is significantly better on carpets with low pile.
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 spend on the latest model of robot. It was able to remove most types of debris and sizes in our tests and would often go over the same area multiple times for an extensive clean. Its flat front allows it to reach the corners and edges of walls.
Its smart navigation system uses iAdapt to avoid obstacles and navigate your home, but it's not equipped with the ability to map that comes with more advanced models like our top choices such as the i3+ EVO and j7+ series. Because of this, it can sometimes get stuck on things like phone cords or furniture that isn't as sturdy, and frequently will run out of battery before making it back to its original location.
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 cost of recurring costs and has more advanced automation capabilities and can better maneuver its own. It also has a larger dustbin and can charge faster.
The eufy RoboVac X8 has a superior battery life than the Roomba. It also has physical boundaries strips that can be controlled with your smartphone's voice assistant. It is also more robust, has a more powerful motor, and can perform better on floors with bare or low-pile.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a brand you see on all sorts of home electronics So it's no surprise that they're one of the top robot vacuum and mop manufacturers. Their Jet Bot AI+ is packed with cutting-edge onboard technology to aid in navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app offers a wide range of options for customizing your robotic cleaner. This includes mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior adjustments docking frequency settings and much more. The app is easy to use and understand, just like other Samsung devices.
In our tests 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 did not do particularly well in avoiding larger objects, like cords and socks which was disappointing. It's also a bit more expensive than the other models we've tested, which might be a deal-breaker for certain shoppers.
The smart vacuum comes with an onboard camera that you can access through 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 the kids if you're away from home. The filter and the dustbin can be washed for a quick, painless clean-up. The Jet Bot AI+ also has a clean station that's self-emptying to keep the robot's dustbin clear and optimizes its suction power for each cleaning.
6. Black & Decker self-cleaning robot vacuums Vacuum
Black and Decker robots have been designed specifically for flooring made of hard wood. The robots come with an extra wide cleaning path, and a dustbin that is 2 times larger than other models. This allows them to clean the area for a longer period of time. They also include two side sweepers to clean around corners and edges. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also comes with AutoSense technology, which detects if it's picking up dirt on surfaces or embedded dirt and then automatically adjusts its power level. The vacuum also has an app that lets you to view the virtual map, manage functions, and create schedules. You can also check the vacuum's status and send it to the dock for charging at the click of a button. The app allows you to customize 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 when needed. My living room rug for instance, has a darkly-colored border that could cause trouble for other robots. The HRV 425BL however was able to continue to move across the border without ever registering the high point. The ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule for each week is a time-saving advantage.