Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum can keep floors clean enough to decrease the frequency you have to manually vacuum. Choose a robot vacuum that is well-trained in navigation, has the ability to clean stairs and corners and also has large bins that only needs to be cleaned out every now and then.
There are models that mop and charge on their own which can be essential for those who have pets or children. The top performers in our tests have excellent obstacles to avoid.
1. IRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO and its i3 EVO sibling the i3 EVO are both identical 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 taking the time to empty their robot's trash bin when it is full.
Both robots are adept at picking up surface debris off hard floors and carpets, and they are very good 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 manner that maximizes efficiency. However, unlike the i7+ or other top-rated robots we evaluated the i3+ does not have obstacle-avoidance capabilities, so it may get stuck on things like power cords or socks, and may have issues navigating across surface transitions like from hardwood to rug.
iRobot suggests that you clear areas in which the i3+ EVO will vacuum before you use it, which includes clearing out any toys or clutter it might encounter. It's also a good idea to keep the bin and filter clean so they aren't clogged by dirt. When the i3+ EVO's internal bin is empty or the battery is not fully charged, it returns to the docking station and automatically emptys the dirt into the docking station's dust bin. It then continues cleaning from where it started. Battery life is about an hour and a half of constant use. It takes about three hours to charge.
2. iRobot Roomba i7+
The iRobot i7+ is the top model in iRobot's flagship line, and it comes with the most recent 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 main sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
The Roomba I7+ can make rooms more efficient maps using Imprint Smart Mapping. It also works with the iRobot Home app to let you schedule cleaning jobs and control your robot with voice or via the app.
In our tests, the i7+ was more agile and faster 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 removes 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 session, move itself around the room, and even vacuum an area. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ with these services. Once connected, to speak commands to the i7+, for example "Hey Alexa vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home app also provides options to manage the i7+'s preferences and monitoring its performance.
3. Dyson Cyclone V10
This tiny Dyson model is an all-sports car in a world of cordless vacuums that feel like minivans and buses. It has the power and features to replace a stand-up vacuum for most households and can fit perfectly next to a coffee table or on shelves where you can wave it around like a magic device.
The V10 is powered with a Lithium-ion battery with 7 cells of energy that can provide power without fading for 60 minutes. Its sophisticated whole-machine filtration system traps allergens and releases clean air back into your home. Its specialized cleaning head drives bristles of nylon that are stiff and deep into carpets to trap large crumbs and fine dust. It comes with three suction settings to match the task that is being completed. It can quickly switch between handheld and floor vacuum, and vice versa.
The model comes with an attached dock that charges the Dyson to 100% in 3.5 hours. It also gives easy access to 2 attachments as well as a Wand. This is a major improvement over previous Dysons that require a lengthy charge and are difficult to store.
The V10's biggest drawback is its limited run time. Its claims on the market that it has up to 60 minutes of running time are misleading as CR's tests show. This is a common, not exceptional, battery-powered vacuum's run time. This is still enough to vacuum the majority of a typical-sized home, but not quite 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 vacuuming ability is noticeably superior on carpets with low pile.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
The 694 is a basic robot vacuum that's a great option for those who don't have a lot of money to invest in a robot. It's capable of sucking up all kinds of debris in our testing, and it often passes over the same areas multiple times to get a really thorough clean. Its flat front makes it possible to reach the corners and the edges of walls.
Its navigation system is smart and uses iAdapt technology to steer clear of obstacles and guide you through your home. It's not equipped with the ability to map that is found in more advanced models, such as our top picks, i3+EVO and j7+ Series. It is prone to getting stuck on phone cords or furniture and is often unable to supply power before returning to its base.
The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in all aspects, as it has fewer parts that require regular maintenance It also comes with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, has lower recurring costs, comes with more advanced automation capabilities and is more efficient in maneuvering itself. It also has a bigger dustbin and is charged faster.
The sleek RoboVac X8 has a superior battery longevity than the Roomba 694. It also comes with physical boundaries and can be controlled with the voice assistant on your smartphone. It is also more durable, has a stronger motor, and is more effective on floors with low pile and bare.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a brand is found on all kinds of electronic gadgets for your home So it's no surprise that they're also one of the top robotic vacuum and mop makers. Their Jet Bot AI+ is loaded with cutting-edge onboard intelligence technology for navigation and obstacles avoidance.
The app offers a variety of customization options for your robotic cleaner. This includes mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior adjustments docking frequency settings, and many more. It's easy to understand and is user-friendly, which is the case with other Samsung devices.
In our testing our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ excelled on hard floors, and also handled dog hair (on carpet) quite well, clearing up 86 percent of it. It did not do well in avoiding taller items such as cords or socks. This was disappointing. It's also more expensive than the other models we've tested, and this could 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 cleaning area. This feature allows you to check in on pets or the kids if you're away from home. The dustbin and the filter can be cleaned for an easy, quick clean-up. The Jet Bot AI+ also has a clean station that self-empties, which helps keep the robot's trash bin clean and optimizes suction power for each cleaning.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Contrary to other robotic vacuums which are designed for both hard floors and carpets, Black and Decker robots are specifically designed for hard floors. They come with a wide cleaning path and an extra-large dustbin that holds twice as much debris than other models to keep the area free of debris for the longest period of time. They also come with two side sweepers for cleaning around corners and edges. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also comes with AutoSense technology, which senses whether it's picking up dirt on surfaces or embedded dirt and automatically adjusts the power level. The vacuum also has an app that lets you to view the virtual map, manage functions, and create schedules. Additionally, you can track the vacuum's battery status and return it to its dock to charge by pressing one button. The app lets you customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum to determine where it is focused or if it has gotten stuck.
The app allows you to manually steer the robot when needed. For instance my living room rug has a darkly-colored border that tends to make it difficult for other robots I've tested. The HRV 425BL however, continued to move across the border without registering the high point. And the ability to create a weekly cleaning schedule is a wonderful time-saving benefit.