14 Common Misconceptions About Robot Vac
Top Rated Robot Vacuums
A robot vacuum can keep your floors clean enough to reduce the frequency of manual hoovering. Look for one that offers an easy navigation, can clean corners and stairs and also has a large dust bin that needs emptying only periodically.
There are models that can mop and charge themselves, which is a feature essential for families with children or pets. Many of the best robot vacuum for vinyl plank floors performers in our tests have great obstacle avoidance.
1. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO and its sibling the i3 EVO, are identical robots, but they differ in that the i3+ has self-emptying features. This makes the i3+ an excellent option for those who want an entirely automated, hands-free cleaning experience but don't mind having to empty their dust bin manually when it fills up.
Both robots do well picking up surface debris on carpets and hard floors and they're excellent in moving around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates intelligent maps of your home that aid the i3+ EVO to navigate and clean in a manner that maximizes efficiency. The i3+ does not have obstacle avoidance capabilities like the i7+ or any other top-rated robots we tested. It may be stuck on power cords or socks, and may have trouble navigating between different surfaces like hardwood and rug.
iRobot suggests that you clear areas where the i3+ EVO will vacuum before you use it, including getting rid of any toys or clutter it might encounter. It's also recommended to keep the dustbin and filter clear so they aren't clogged by dirt. If the i3+ EVO's internal bin is full or its battery is empty it will return to its docking station and automatically empties its trash into the station's dust bin, and then continues cleaning 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 fully recharge.
2. Roomba from iRobot
The iRobot i7+ is an excellent model from iRobot's flagship line and is packed with the latest features. It is self-charging and self-navigating. But the most important feature is its self-emptying bin. This removes the need for regular maintenance.
The Roomba i7+ can remember up to 10 floor plans and their names thanks to Imprint Smart Mapping, an application that allows it to 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 via voice.
In our testing the i7+ performed more agile and faster than our runner-up, the eufy RoboVac G30, and it took 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 major sources of maintenance and reduces recurring cost.
We were also impressed by the i7+'s compatibility Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We used these services to instruct the robot sweeper 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+ with these services. When connected, we were able to communicate with the i7+ using voice commands, such as "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
This tiny Dyson model is a sports car in a sea of vacuums with cords that feel like minivans and buses. It is powerful enough to replace a stand-up vacuum in most homes, yet it is also small enough to fit on the bookcase or coffee table.
The V10 is powered by a 7-cell high-energy lithium-ion battery that can provide fade-free power for 60 minutes. Its sophisticated whole-machine filtration system removes allergens, and then releases clean air back into your home. The specially designed head utilizes stiff nylon bristles to drive deep into carpets, and then pick up large particles or fine dust. It comes with three suction modes to meet the task that is being completed. It quickly converts from handheld to floor vacuum and back again.
This model has an attached dock that charges the Dyson to 100% in 3.5 hours. It also offers easy access to 2 attachments and an wand. This is a significant improvement over earlier Dysons which require a long charge and are difficult to store.
The main drawback of the V10 is its limited running time. As CR's tests have shown, its marketing claims of up to 60 minutes are not true. This is a typical battery-powered cordless vacuum's running time. That's still enough run time to clean most of a home that's average size however, it's not enough to cover every area (though a second run-through usually can be effective). This model has its own advantages however: it's lighter and more maneuverable than earlier Dysons cordless models and its ability to vacuum is noticeably superior on low-pile floor carpet.
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 a variety of debris types and sizes during our testing, and it often passes over the same areas several times to give a thorough clean. Its flat front side helps it to reach into corners and along the walls' edges, which is a nice addition.
Its intelligent navigation system makes use of iAdapt to stay clear of obstacles and navigate your home, but it's not equipped with the ability to map that comes with more sophisticated models like our top rated robot vacuum choices such as the i3+ EVO and 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 original location.
The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in many ways, as it has fewer parts that need regular cleaning and is equipped with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, incurs lower recurring costs, has more advanced automation capabilities and is better at moving itself. It also has a bigger dustbin and can charge faster.
The sleek RoboVac X8 has a superior battery life than the Roomba. It also comes with physical boundaries strips and can be controlled using your smartphone's voice assistance. It is also more durable, has a more powerful motor, and is able to perform better on both bare floors and carpets with a low pile, as well as 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 that they are one of the top makers of robot vacuums and mop. Jet Bot AI+ has an advanced onboard technology that allows for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app provides a range of options for customizing your robotic cleaner. These include mopping levels, virtual barriers and behavior adjustments docking frequency settings, and more. It's simple to comprehend and is user-friendly, which is the case with other Samsung devices.
In our tests during our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors, and removed 86 percent of dog hair (on carpet). It did not do well in avoiding taller items like socks or cords. This was disappointing. It's also a little more expensive than some of the other models we've tested and could be a deal-breaker for certain shoppers.
The app lets you access the onboard camera of the smart vacuum. You can also set up live streaming from the robot's cleaning zone. This feature lets you check in on your children or pets while you are away. The filter and dustbin are washable for quick, painless cleanup. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with a self-emptying clean station, which helps keep the bin clean and optimizes suction power.
6. Black & Decker Robot automatic vacuum
Unlike other robotic vacuum cleaner on sale 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 keep the area clean for longer. Plus, they include two side sweepers to clean up around edges and in corners. The POWERSERIES model includes AutoSense, which automatically adjusts the power level depending on whether it's collecting dirt on the surface or embedded dirt. The vacuum also has an app that lets you to view an interactive map, control functions, and create schedules. You can also track the vacuum's status and send it to its dock for charging with the click of a button. The app lets you customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum to tell where it is focused or if it's stuck.
The application also allows you to steer the robot manually in the event of need. My living room rug for example has a dark-colored border which could cause a problem for other robots. The HRV 425BL however was able to continue to move across the border without registering the high point. And the ability to program a weekly cleaning schedule is a great time-saving convenience.