We purchased the The 5 Best Robot Vacuum so our expert reviewer could thoroughly test and assess it. Keep reading for our full products reviews.
Vacuuming is a time-consuming and monotonous task for the majority of us. Fortunately, there is a plethora of robotic devices on the market that can take this burden off your shoulders. Robot vacuum cleaners have been around for a while, and they’re becoming increasingly hands-free and automated.
Higher-end models usually include a companion app that gives you access to a variety of advanced features, such as room-specific cleaning schedules and the ability to designate off-limits areas in your home. Sensor systems are also improving to prevent vacuum cleaners from becoming stuck or lost. Some even have built-in cameras that can detect hazards such as pet messes and alert you to their location.
We’ve done the research to recommend the best models, whether you’re looking for the latest and greatest in robot vacuum technology or a basic budget option for a smaller space.
The iRobot Roomba i7+ (Check latest price on Amazon) is our top pick for its customizable settings, automated features, and cleaning power, despite its high price. This is especially useful for people who have larger homes or who have specific areas they don’t want a robot vacuum to clean. If you’re concerned about letting a vacuum loose near pet areas or delicate objects in your home, the i7+ gives you a lot more control.
The vSLAM navigation system from iRobot maps your house as it cleans it and then uploads the map to the iRobot companion app. The vacuum can then be programmed to clean which rooms and when. It also allows you to create “Keep Out Zones” and direct the i7+ to a specific area of the room when immediate cleaning is required. To control the vacuum with voice commands, use the app or connect the Roomba to your existing voice assistant (Google Assistant or Alexa device).
The Roomba i7+ also has a self-emptying feature. The vacuum returns to the charging base after each cleaning cycle and automatically dispenses the dirt into a collection bag inside the base. The bag only needs to be emptied every two months because it can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt.
Runtime: 90 minutes | Functionality: Vacuum only | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice Control: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Companion App: Yes
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Best for Hard Floors: Roborock S6 MaxV Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Roborock’s vacuum and mop combo (Check latest price on Amazon) is one of the most intelligent robot floor cleaners on the market. It has a powerful set of AI capabilities, as well as a built-in camera that can be used as an interactive pet cam. It can map the layout of your home, recognize the floor you’re on, and even detect and report unexpected hazards like pet messes, which could turn a regular cleaning cycle into a disaster if your vacuum tracked through them.
This vacuum won’t get tangled in wires, get stuck under furniture, or get caught on a stray sock. You can also set “No-Go Zones” using the maps in the companion app, so it only cleans where you want it to. You can even control how much suction or water is used in various areas.
Despite its clever features, many users have complained that it is ineffective on carpet. Some users report that the brush stops turning on carpeted surfaces, while others report that it can’t seem to get up over the edge of area rugs. We’d recommend the Roborock primarily to people who have hard floors, because at this price, you want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
Runtime: 180 minutes | Functionality: Vacuum, mop | Self-emptying: No | Voice Control: Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Siri | Companion App: Yes
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Best Combo Vacuum and Mop: Dreame Technology Dreame Bot L10 Pro
The L10 Pro comes with a 5,200 mAh battery that will last at least one cleaning cycle in your home. Because the battery has more than enough power to finish the job, you won’t have to worry about the robot returning home for a charge. The smart water control feature in the mopping cycle tells the robot how much water to dispense based on the type of floors, so your hardwoods won’t be drenched after a mopping/vacuuming—they’ll just be clean.
The low-profile 270 mL water tank has a wheel on the bottom, allowing the bot to navigate over area rugs without knocking the tank out of place. The L10 Pro’s only flaws, according to our reviewer, are that it doesn’t come with enough mopping accessories and that it could clean edges and corners a little better. Aside from that, Erika was very pleased with this bot.
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Best for Carpeted Floors: Neato Robotics Botvac D7
The Neato Robotics Botvac D7 (Check latest price on Amazon) is a mid-range robot vacuum with plenty of customization options and strong suction on a variety of floor surfaces. The Neato, like other high-end vacuums, maps your home as it cleans and then uses that map in the companion app to create schedules, mark specific cleaning zones, and create “No-Go Lines.” It can even “remember” multiple floors and run cleaning cycles tailored to each layout.
The Neato has two distinguishing characteristics. The first is the “D”-shaped design, which allows it to clean into corners that round robot vacuums can’t. The extra large brush, on the other hand, cleans deeper into carpets and can help remove embedded dirt and pet hair. The Botvac D7 is another Neato vacuum that is known for its cleaning power.
Rather, the device’s flaw is its lack of app integration. Many users have complained about problems with the device’s Wi-Fi connectivity, which can lead to problems with the maps. The Neato is capable of cleaning, but it may not be the best choice for someone looking for a highly customizable robot vacuum.
Runtime: 120 minutes | Functionality: Vacuum only | Self-emptying: No | Voice Control: Google Home, Amazon Alexa | Companion App: Yes
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Best for Small Spaces: EcoVacs Deebot N79SE
The Deebot N79SE (Check latest price on Amazon) is a great option if you have a small space and want a less expensive robot vacuum with scheduled cleaning capabilities. It lacks laser mapping and artificial intelligence, but it does have a three-brush system, strong suction, scheduled cleanings, and the ability to clean both carpet and hard floors.
Switch between two levels of suction power and four cleaning modes, including auto, single room, spot clean, and perimeter mode, using the app. The Deebot is a low-maintenance device that works well in low-maintenance environments.
Runtime: 120 minutes | Functionality: Vacuum only | Self-emptying: No | Voice Control: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa | Companion App: Yes
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