14 Common Misconceptions About Robot Vac

Top Rated Robot Vacuums

A robot vacuum can keep floors clean enough to reduce the frequency at which you need to manually vacuum. Select a vacuum with good navigation, is able to clean corners and stairs, and that has large bins that needs to be emptying every so often.

There are models that mop and charge themselves, which is a feature essential for families with children or pets. Many of the best robot vacuum under 200 performers in our tests have excellent ability to overcome obstacles.

1. Roomba iRobot i3+ from iRobot 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. The i3+ is a great option for those who want a fully automated, hands-off cleaning experience, but are willing to manually empty the dust bin once it gets full.

Both robots are good at removing surface dirt on carpets and hard floors, and they can easily maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart maps of your home to assist the i3+ to navigate and clean efficiently. The i3+ doesn't feature obstacle avoidance features like the i7+ or any other top-rated robots that we test. It could be stuck on power cords and socks, and may have trouble navigating between different surfaces like hardwood and rug.

iRobot recommends clearing areas that the i3+ EVO will vacuum prior to when you use it, which includes putting away any clutter or toys it may come across. Also, keep the filters and dust bin clear to avoid getting blocked. When the i3+'s internal bin is filled or the battery is low it goes back to its docking station and automatically empties its dirt into the station's dust bin and continues cleaning the area where it began. The i3+ EVO's battery lasts for approximately an hour and a half of continuous use, and it takes about three hours to recharge.

2. IRobot Roomba i7+

The iRobot i7+ is an excellent model from iRobot's flagship line, and it comes with the latest technology. It's self-charging, self-navigating and -- the most important feature of all -- it comes with a self-emptying dustbin that eliminates one of the primary sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.

The Roomba I7+ can make rooms more efficient maps using Imprint smart vacuum Mapping. It also works with the iRobot Home app to let you schedule cleaning tasks and direct your robot by voice or via the app.

In our testing the i7+ performed quicker and more maneuverable than our second-placed model, the eufy RoboVac G30, and it removed large chunks of pet hair from all surfaces types including carpeting. The biggest advantage over the Eufy is its self-emptying bin which eliminates the main sources of maintenance and lowers the cost of recurring maintenance.

We were also impressed by the i7+’s compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We used these services to instruct the robot on how to begin or stop cleaning sessions and also to move around the room, and to vacuum a particular area. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ to these services. We were able, once connected, to voice commands to the i7+ such as "Hey Alexa vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home app also provides options to manage the i7+'s settings and monitoring its performance.

3. Dyson Cyclone V10

This tiny Dyson model is an athletic car in a world of vacuums with cords that feel like minivans and buses. It is powerful enough to replace a traditional stand-up vacuum in the majority of homes, but it is also compact enough to fit on the bookcase or coffee table.

The V10 is powered with a Lithium-ion battery with 7 cells of energy that produces power without fading for 60 minutes. The advanced whole-machine filtering system is able to trap allergens and then lets cleaner air into your home. The cleaning head is specially designed to drive bristles of nylon that are stiff and deep into carpets to trap large dust and crumbs. It has three different suction modes that can be adapted to the specific task. It quickly switches from floor washing robot vac to handheld vacuum and back.

This model also has docks that charge to 100% in about 3.5 hours and provides an easy access to two attachments as well as the clip for a wand. This is a major improvement over previous Dysons which require a long charge and are difficult to store.

The V10's biggest drawback is its limited run time. As CR's tests have shown, its advertising claims of up to 60 minutes are not true. This is a typical not an extraordinary time to run an electric cordless vacuum powered by batteries. That's still enough run time to clean smart robot most of a typical-sized home, but not quite long enough to cover every spot (though a second run-through usually will suffice). 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"

One of the most well-known robot vacuums, the 694 is a basic model that's a great option for those who don't wish to spend too much on a robot. It could pick up most types of debris and sizes during our tests and would often go over the same area multiple times for a thorough clean. The flat front of the unit allows it reach into corners and along the edges of walls which is a nice feature.

Its intelligent navigation system makes use of iAdapt technology to steer clear of obstacles and help you navigate your home. However, it lacks the capabilities for mapping of more advanced models, like 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 original location.

The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in most respects because it has fewer components that require regular cleaning, is fitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, has lower recurring costs, has more advanced automation capabilities and is more efficient in maneuvering itself. It also has a larger dustbin and can charge faster.

The elegant RoboVac X8 is superior to the Roomba 694 for most purposes, because it has a better battery life, has the ability to alter its suction power mode manually, comes with physical boundary strips, and is operated by your phone's voice assistant. It is also more robust, has a larger motor, and performs better on floors with low pile and bare.

5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

Samsung is a name is seen on a variety of home electronics It's no surprise that they're one of the most popular mop and robot vacuum manufacturers. Their Jet Bot AI+ is equipped with cutting-edge onboard tech for navigation and obstacle avoidance.

The app provides a range of options to customize your robotic cleaner. This includes mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior customizations, docking frequency settings and many more. It's simple to comprehend and user-friendly, as is the case with other Samsung devices.

In our tests of the Jet Bot AI+ excelled on hard floors and dealt with dog hair (on carpet) very well, picking up 86 percent of it. However, it wasn't particularly well at avoiding higher-up objects like cords or socks which was a disappointment. It's also more expensive than some of the other models we tested and could be a problem for some shoppers.

The smart vacuum has an onboard camera that can be accessed via the app, and you can also create a live stream from the robot's cleaning station. This feature allows you to keep track of your pets or kids when you're away from home. The filter and the dustbin can be cleaned to ensure the quick and easy cleaning. The Jet Bot AI+ also comes with a clean station that self-empties, which helps keep the robot's trash bin clean and optimizes suction power for each cleaning run.

6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum

Contrary to other robotic vacuums that are specifically designed for hard floors and carpets, Black and Decker robots are specifically designed for hard floors. The robots have an extra-wide cleaning path and dust bins that are 2X bigger than the competitors. This lets them clean the area for longer. In addition, they have two side sweepers to clean up around edges and in corners. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also includes AutoSense technology, which detects whether it's picking up surface litter or embedded dirt and then automatically adjusts the power level. The vacuum also comes with an app that lets you to view the virtual map, manage functions, and schedules. You can also monitor the status of the vacuum and connect it to its dock for charging at the touch of a single button. The app lets you modify the LEDs on the top of the vacuum to discern where it is focusing or if it's stuck.

The app makes it possible to manually steer the robot, if necessary. For instance, my living room rug has a darkly colored border that can make it difficult for other robots I've tried. The HRV 425BL, however was able to continue to move across the border without registering the high point. The ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule for each week is a time-saving advantage.