15 Reasons To Not Ignore Robot Vac

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. Find one that has good navigation, can clean stairs and corners, and has a large dust bin that requires emptying only once in a while.

There are models that clean and charge on their own, a feature that may be important for people with pets or kids. The top performers in our tests have good obstacle avoidance.

1. IRobot Roomba i3+ EVO

The i3+ EVO and its sibling the i3 EVO are both identical robots, but they differ in that the i3+ comes with self-emptying features. This makes the i3+ an excellent choice for people who want a hands-off, fully automated cleaning experience, but don't mind taking the time to empty their robot's trash bin when it is full.

Both robots are good at removing surface dirt on floors and carpets and are able to navigate around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart maps of your home that aid the i3+ EVO to navigate and clean in a manner that maximizes efficiency. However, unlike the i7+ or other top-rated robots that we test, the i3+ doesn't have any obstacle-avoidance features and therefore it could get stuck on things like power cords or socks, and it may have trouble in navigating through transitions between surfaces like hardwood to carpet.

iRobot recommends you clear out areas that the i3+ EVO will remote vacuum prior to when you use it, which includes getting rid of any clutter or toys it may come across. You should also keep the dustbin and filter free of dirt to prevent them from becoming clogged. If the i3+'s internal bin is empty or the battery is depleted, it returns to the docking station and automatically empties the dirt into the station's external dustbin. It then continues cleaning where it started. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for approximately an hour and a half of continuous use, and takes around three hours to recharge.

2. iRobot i7+ Roomba

The iRobot i7+ is a top model from iRobot’s flagship line, and it comes with the most recent features. It has self-charging and self-navigating. But the most significant feature is the self-emptying bin. This eliminates the need for routine maintenance.

The Roomba I7+ is able to map rooms more efficiently with Imprint Smart Mapping. It also works with the iRobot Home app to let you schedule cleaning jobs and control your robot using voice or through the app.

In our tests the i7+ was more agile and faster than our top choice which was the eufy RoboVac G30, and it picked up large pieces of pet hair from all surface kinds including carpeting. The main advantage it has over the Eufy is its self-emptying bin which eliminates the main sources of maintenance and reduces recurring cost.

We were also impressed by the i7+'s integration with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant AI services that we used to instruct the bagless robot vacuum to start, stop or pause its cleaning routines and to move around the room and sweep a specific space. The process of connecting the i7+ to these services was easy and straightforward using the iRobot Home app. When connected we were able to give the i7+ voice commands like "Hey Alexa, vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home App also offers options to manage i7+ settings and evaluating performance.

3. Dyson Cyclone V10

This tiny Dyson model is an all-sports car in a sea of vacuums powered by cordless that resemble minivans and buses. It has the power and features to replace a stand-up vacuum for most households, but it also fits nicely on the coffee table or the bookshelf, where you can move it around like an enchanted tool.

The V10 is powered with seven cells of energy-dense Lithium-ion batteries that can provide power without fading for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filter system removes allergens, and then releases clean air back into your home. The specialized head uses rigid nylon bristles to penetrate into carpets, and then pick up large dust or crumbs. It has three different suction modes that can be adapted to the specific task. It is able to quickly change from handheld to automatic floor vacuum best auto vacuum, and vice versa.

The model also comes with an accessory dock that can charge to 100% in 3.5 hours, and gives users 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 lengthy charge and are difficult to store.

The main drawback of the V10 is its limited run time. Its claims on the market that it can provide up to 60 minutes of running time are a bit misleading as CR's tests have shown. This is an average not an extraordinary time to run a battery-powered cordless vac. This is enough time to sweep the typical home however, it's not enough time to reach every area. (A second pass generally works). This model has its own advantages however: it's lighter and more maneuverable than older Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is noticeably superior for carpet floors 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 lots of money to invest in an expensive robot. It was able to remove the majority of types of debris and sizes in our testing and often went over the same area several times for an efficient clean. The flat front of the unit allows it to reach into corners and along the walls' edges and walls, which is a nice touch.

Its intelligent navigation system makes use of iAdapt to avoid obstacles and navigate your home, but it lacks the mapping capability of more sophisticated models like our Top Rated Robot Vacuum choices and the i3+ EVO and the j7+ series. It is prone to getting stuck on cords for phones or furniture that is low and will often run out of power before returning to its home 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, incurs lower cost of recurring costs, has more advanced automation abilities and is able to better maneuver its own. It also has a larger dustbin and is charged faster.

The RoboVac X8 is a slick RoboVac X8 is superior to the Roomba 694 for a variety of purposes, because it has a better battery life, the ability to change its suction power mode manually and has physical boundary strips, and is controlled by your smartphone's voice assistant. It also feels better-built, has a more powerful motor, and performs notably better on both bare floors and carpets with low pile, while providing a wider array of features for automation.

5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

Samsung is a name is found on all kinds of home electronics It's no surprise that they're one of the most reputable mop and robot vacuum manufacturers. Jet Bot AI+ has an advanced onboard technology that allows to navigate and avoid obstacles.

The app offers a variety of options to personalize your robotic cleaner, including virtual barriers mopping water levels, behavior modification, docking frequency settings, and more. It's easy to understand and user-friendly, as is the case with other Samsung devices.

In our tests during 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 at avoiding higher-up objects like cords or socks which was a disappointment. It's priced higher than other models we've tested, and this could be a deal breaker for certain shoppers.

The app allows you to access the onboard camera of the smart vacuum. You can also set up live streaming from the robot's cleaning zone. This feature allows you check in on your children or pets when you're away. The dustbin and the filter can be cleaned to ensure the quick and easy cleaning. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with self-emptying clean stations, which helps keep the robot's bin clear and maximizes suction power.

6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum

In contrast to other robotic vacuums that are made for carpets and hard floors, Black and Decker robots are designed specifically for hard floors. The robots come with an extra-wide cleaning path and a dustbin that is 2X bigger than the competitors. This allows them to clean the area for longer. In addition, they have two side sweepers to clean along edges and in corners. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also comes with AutoSense technology, which detects if it's picking up dirt or debris on the surface and automatically adjusts the power level. The vacuum also comes with an app that allows users to see an interactive map, control functions, and create schedules. Additionally, you can track the status of the vacuum's battery and send it back to its dock for charging at the touch of one button. The app allows you to alter the LED lights on the top of the vacuum to determine where it is focused or if it has gotten stuck.

The app also makes it simple to steer the robot sweeper manually if 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 travel across the border, without notifying the edge. The ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule for each week is a time-saving benefit.