A robot vacuum can keep the floors clean enough to cut down on the frequency with which you'll need to manually vacuum. Choose a robot vacuum that has good navigation, has the ability to clean stairs and corners, and that has large bins that needs to be emptied periodically.
There are models that can mop and charge themselves, which is a feature essential for families with pets or children. Many of the top performers in our tests offer decent obstacle-avoiding capabilities.1. IRobot Roomba i3+ EVO
The i3+ EVO and its i3 EVO sibling the i3 EVO, are identical robots that differ only in that the i3+ has self-emptying capabilities. The i3+ is a good option for those who want an automated, hands-free cleaning experience, but want to manually empty the dustbin of the robot when it is full.
Both robots do well picking up surface debris off carpets and hard floors and they're very adept in moving around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart maps of your home that help the i3+ EVO to navigate and clean in a way that maximizes efficiency. However, unlike the i7+ and other top-rated robots that we test the i3+ doesn't have any obstacle-avoidance features which means it can get stuck on things such as power cords or socks, and may have issues in navigating through transitions between surfaces, such as from hardwood to carpet.
iRobot suggests cleaning the area in which the i3+ EVO vacuums before using it. This includes getting rid of any toys or other items it might come across. It's also recommended to keep the bin and filter clean so that they aren't clogged by dirt. When the i3+'s internal bin is full or its battery is depleted it goes back to its docking station, automatically emptying its trash into the station's dust bin and continues cleaning where it began. The i3+ EVO's battery can last for about an hour and a half continuous use. It takes around three hours to recharge.
2. IRobot Roomba i7+
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is the most powerful model in iRobot's flagship line, and it comes with all the latest features. It's self-charging and self-navigating. -- the most important feature of all -- it comes with self-emptying bins that eliminate one of the most important sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.
The Roomba i7+ can keep up to 10 floor plans and their names using Imprint Smart Mapping, an application that lets it map rooms so it can clean them more efficiently. It also integrates with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning jobs, and you can control your robot via the app or voice.
The i7+ is more efficient and more maneuverable in our tests compared to the eufy RoboVac G30. It also removed large pet hair pieces from all surfaces, including carpeting. The biggest benefit over the eufy the dust bin is self-emptying that eliminates a major cause of maintenance and cuts down on the amount of time spent cleaning.
We were also impressed by the i7+'s compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We utilized these services to instruct the robot to begin or stop cleaning sessions as well as move around the room and vacuum a particular area. The process of connecting the i7+ to these services was easy and straightforward using the iRobot Home app. Once connected to these services, we were able communicate with the i7+ using voice commands, such as "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
In a world of vacuums that are cordless and feel like minivans or buses, this small Dyson model feels like an old-fashioned sports car. It's powerful and has features to replace a stand-up vacuum for many households, but it also fits perfectly next to a coffee table or on the bookshelf, where you can wave it around like an enchanted wand.
The V10 is powered by a seven-cell, energy-dense lithium-ion battery that produces energy that is not faded for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filter system captures allergens and expels clean air back into your home. The cleaning head is specially designed to drive stiff nylon bristles deep into carpets to trap large dust and crumbs. It has three suction modes to meet the task that is being completed. It quickly switches from handheld to floor vacuum, and then back to floor.
This model also has an accessory dock that can charge to 100% in about 3.5 hours and offers easy access to two attachments and the Wand clip. This is a significant improvement over older Dysons that require a long charge and are difficult to store.
The main drawback of the V10 is its limited run time. The tests conducted by CR show that its claims to run up to 60 minutes are a bit misleading. This is a typical, not exceptional, battery-powered cordless vacuum's running time. It's enough time to clean a typical-sized home but not enough to reach every spot. (A second run usually works). This model has its own advantages however: it's lighter and more mobile than previous Dysons cordless models, and its vacuuming ability is noticeable superior on carpets with low pile.
4. iRobot Roomba 694
One of the most well-known robot vacuums The 694 is an entry-level model that's a good option for those who don't wish to spend too much on a robotic. It's capable of sucking up all debris types and sizes during our tests, and often goes over the same areas multiple times to ensure a thorough clean. Its flat front design allows it to reach the corners and the edges of walls.
Its smart navigation system uses iAdapt technology to avoid obstacles and help you navigate your home. However, it isn't equipped with the mapping capabilities of more advanced models, like our top picks, the i3+EVO and the j7+ Series. It may get stuck on phone cords or low furniture 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 in that it has fewer parts that require regular cleaning, is fitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, incurs lower recurring costs, comes with more advanced automation capabilities and does a better job maneuvering itself. It also has a bigger dustbin and charges quicker.
The eufy RoboVac X8 has a superior battery life than the Roomba 694. It also comes with physical boundaries and can be controlled using your smartphone's voice assistant. It is also more robust, has a larger motor, and is more effective on floors with low pile and bare.
5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Samsung is a name is seen on a variety of electronic gadgets for your home So it's no surprise that they're one of the most reputable mop and robot vacuum manufacturers. Jet Bot AI+ has a cutting-edge onboard technology for navigation and obstacle avoidance.
The app offers a wide range of customization options for your robotic cleaner. These include virtual barriers, mopping levels and behavior customizations docking frequency settings and much more. It's simple to comprehend and is user-friendly, which is the case with other Samsung devices.
In our tests in our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors, and it cleaned up 86% of dog hair (on carpet). However, it wasn't particularly well with taller objects like cords and socks which was a disappointment. It's also a little more expensive than the other models we tested which could be a deterrent for certain shoppers.
The smart vacuum comes with an onboard camera that can be accessed through the app. You can also set up a live stream from the robot's cleaning station. This feature allows you to check in on your children or pets while you are away. The filter and the dust bin can be washed for quick, painless cleanup. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with self-emptying clean stations, which helps keep the robot's bin clear and improves suction power.
6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum
Black and Decker robots have been developed specifically for hard flooring. They have a wider cleaning path as well as a large dustbin that holds twice as much debris than competitors to keep the cleaning area free of debris for the longest period of time. They also have two side sweepers that can be used to clean along edges and corners. The POWERSERIES model includes AutoSense that automatically adjusts the power level according to whether it's collecting dirt that is on the surface or embedded. The vacuum also comes with an app that allows you to view a virtual map, control functions, and schedules. Additionally, you can track the status of the vacuum's battery and return it to its dock for charging by pressing one button. The app allows you to customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum by using different colors, so you can clearly see which areas it's focused on or where it's gotten stuck.
The app makes it possible to manually steer the robot in the event of need. For example my living room rug has a darkly colored border that has a tendency 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 the weekly cleaning schedule is a fantastic time-saving feature.
