Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum is able to keep the floors clean enough to cut down on the frequency at which you'll need to manually vacuum. Pick a robot vacuum with good navigation, can clean corners and stairs, and that has a large bin that only needs to be cleaned out every now and then.
There are models that can mop and charge themselves, which is a feature essential for families with children or pets. A majority of the top performers in our tests have good ability to overcome obstacles.
1. IRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO is similar to its sibling the i3 EVO. They differ only in the fact that the i3+ comes with self-emptying capabilities. That makes the i3+ a good choice for people who want an entirely automated, hands-free cleaning experience but don't mind taking the time to empty their robot's trash bin when it fills up.
Both robots are adept at picking up surface debris on carpets and hard floors, and they're excellent in maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software makes a smart maps of your home that assist the i3+ to navigate and clean efficiently. However unlike the i7+ or other top-rated robots that we tested the i3+ does not have a feature for avoiding obstacles, so it may get stuck on things like socks or power cords and may have issues navigating across surface transitions like hardwood to rug.
iRobot recommends that you tidy the area around the i3+ EVO vacuums prior to using it. This includes getting rid of any toys or other items it might come across. It is also recommended to keep the dustbin and filter clear to avoid becoming clogged. If the i3+'s internal bin is empty or the battery is depleted, it returns to the docking station and takes the dirt out of the docking station's external dustbin. It then continues cleaning from where it left off. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for about an hour and a half continuous use, and takes around three hours to recharge.
2. Roomba by iRobot
The iRobot i7+ is the top model in iRobot's flagship line, and it comes with the latest features. It's self-charging, self-navigating and -- the most important feature of all -- it comes with self-emptying bins that eliminate one of the most important sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
The Roomba I7+ can map rooms more efficiently with Imprint Smart Mapping. It also integrates with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning tasks, and you can direct your robot using the app or via voice.
In our tests the i7+ was quicker and more maneuverable than our top choice and the eufy RoboVac G30, and it took large pieces of pet hair from all surfaces types including carpeting. Its main advantage over the eufy, is its self-emptying dustbin, which eliminates a major cause 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 that we used to instruct the robot to begin, stop or pause its cleaning session and move around the room and sweep a specific space. Connecting the i7+ to these services was simple and straightforward using the iRobot Home app. We were able, once connected, to 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 full of vacuums that are cordless and are like minivans and buses, this tiny Dyson model feels like an automobile. 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 by a seven-cell, high-energy lithium-ion battery that can provide fade-free power for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filter system captures allergens and expels clean air back into your home. Its specialized cleaning head drives stiff nylon bristles deep into carpet to collect large particles and fine dust. It comes with three suction modes to match the task that is being completed. It is able to quickly switch from handheld to floor vacuum and vice versa.
This model has a dock that can charge the Dyson to 100 percent in 3.5 hours. It also gives the ability to connect two attachments and the Wand. This is a big improvement over earlier Dysons, that require a long charge and are difficult to store.
The main issue with the V10 is its limited run time. The tests conducted by CR show that its claims to run up to 60 minutes are a bit misleading. This is a typical, not an exceptional, time for an electric cordless vacuum powered by batteries. That's still enough run time to get rid of the majority of a home that's average size, but not quite long enough to get every single spot (though a second run-through usually will suffice). However, this model doesn't have its benefits: It's lighter and mobile than the older cordless Dysons, and its vacuuming performance is significantly better on low-pile carpet.
4. iRobot Roomba 694"
The 694 is a basic robot vacuum that's a great choice for those who don't have lots of money to spend on a robot. It's capable of sucking up most kinds of debris in our testing, and it often goes over the same areas several times to ensure 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 technology to steer clear of obstacles and help you navigate your home. However, it lacks the mapping capabilities of more advanced models, such as our top picks, i3+EVO and the j7+ Series. It is prone to getting stuck on cords for phones or furniture that is low and is often unable to supply power before returning to its home base.
The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in all aspects, as it has fewer components that require regular cleaning, is fitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, incurs lower recurring costs, has more advanced automation capabilities and is more efficient in moving itself. It also has a larger dustbin and is charged 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 and comes with physical boundary strips, and can be controlled by your smartphone's voice assistant. It also feels better-built and 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 the field of home electronics. It's not surprising, then, that they are also among the top producers of robot vacuums and mop. Their Jet Bot AI+ is equipped with cutting-edge onboard technology to aid in navigation and obstacles avoidance.
The app provides a range of options for customizing your robotic cleaner. These include mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior customizations, docking frequency settings and much more. The app is easy to learn and use, just like other Samsung devices.
In our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors. It cleaned up 86% of dog hair (on carpet). However, it wasn't particularly well at avoiding higher-up objects like cords or socks which was disappointing. robot floor cleaner 's also a bit more expensive than the other models we tried, which might be a problem 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 area of cleaning. This feature allows you to check in on pets or kids when you're away from home. The filter and the dustbin can be cleaned for a quick, painless clean-up. The Jet Bot AI+ also comes with a clean station that's self-emptying and helps keep the robot's dustbin clean and maximizes suction power for each cleaning.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Black and Decker robots are designed specifically for hard flooring. They feature an extra-wide cleaning path and an extra-large dust bin that can hold 2X more debris than competitors to keep the area free of debris for the longest period of time. They also have two side sweepers for cleaning around corners and edges. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also includes AutoSense technology, which can tell whether it's picking up dirt on surfaces or embedded dirt and automatically adjusts the power level. The vacuum also comes with an app that allows users to see a virtual map, control functions, and set schedules. You can also monitor the status of the vacuum and then send it to the dock for charging with the touch of a single button. The app lets you 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, 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 tried. However robot floor cleaner kept moving across the border, without registering it as an incline. The ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule for each week is a time-saving benefit.