Robot vacuums are a big investment. Even the basic models can ring in at a few hundred dollars each, and if you want ones with the newest and most useful bells and whistles — both vacuuming and mopping, automatic emptying, auto cleaning, object recognition and avoidance — you can expect to pay $1,000 or more. So when it comes to purchasing a robot vacuum, buyers need to do their homework to make sure they are worth the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What functions do robot vacuums perform?
In addition to vacuuming floors, many modern robot vacuums also come fully equipped with mopping features to clean hard floors. These vacuums will likely have a removable water reservoir. Another common feature in many robot vacuums is the ability to learn the configuration of your room over time to better avoid potential bumps and falls, which will also save battery life as your vacuum more efficiently moves throughout the room.
How often do robot vacuums need to be emptied out?
Generally speaking, you’ll need to empty the bin and clean the filter on your vacuum every three to four cycles. This number may vary depending on how dirty your floors get, and what types of materials your vacuum is picking up.
Buying Guide
Once you get to know the features most commonly offered by modern robot vacuums, you’ll likely be pretty impressed. One of the most convenient aspects of most robot vacuums is that they can be set up on a schedule via the app to run at the same time each day. You’ll want to learn whether or not your new vacuum can be set up this way. Many vacuums can also collaborate with your Alexa or Google Voice to be operated by simply using voice commands.
You’ll also want to know how long the battery can run on a single charge. This affects not only how long the vacuum can operate, but how much space it can cover on one charge. Typically, your vacuum will run for around two hours before it needs to return to the charging station. If you have a larger space and want a vacuum that can more effectively cover the entire area at one time, you might be especially interested in the vacuum on this list that runs for three hours on one charge. We’ll tell you about this one in a few paragraphs.
Obviously, you want a vacuum that is able to effectively loosen and remove dirt, pet hair, and small pieces of debris. For this reason, you might want to learn a little more about what sort of suction power and capabilities your vacuum has. Since these vacuums are smaller than your traditional handheld vacuum, they may not offer the same functionality as larger, more advanced vacuums will. However, many of them can be quite effective for keeping your room clean on a regular basis.
Lastly, you’ll want to know whether or not your vacuum will return to the charging base automatically once the entire room has been cleaned, or when the battery gets low. This is a great feature, because if you have a vacuum that is set up to run on a schedule, clean the entire room, and return to the charging station on its own, there’s nothing you have to do on a daily basis to ensure that the room is clean. Of course, you may have to fetch the vacuum if it gets stuck, so try to find a model that doesn’t get stuck too often. And don’t forget to clean that filter and empty the waste bin!
How strong is it?
iRobot Robot Vacuum
Best Overall
Sleek, Premium Design Complements Existing Home Decor
This vacuum can be set up on a schedule to automatically clean up dirt, dust, and debris daily.
Sold in two styles (Roomba 692 or Roomba 694)
Pros:
- 3-stage cleaning system and dual multi-surface brushes are made to loosen, lift, and suck up items for a more effective clean
- Can be easily managed with Google Assistant and Alexa by simply using your voice
Cons:
- Can be loud while running
Advanced sensors allow this Roomba to navigate under and around furniture, while the cliff detect technology helps keep it from falling down stairs.
iLife Robot Vacuum
Best Mopping Features
Includes Water Tank for Cleaning Wood, Tile, Marble, and Laminate Floors
The powerful engine with MAX mode is designed to easily and effectively collect debris, hair, dust, and dirt each time it runs.
Sold in four styles (Pearl white, V5s pro, V80 max, and V80 max mop)
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design with a 2600 mAH battery that can run for up to 120 minutes
- Can be set up on a schedule to run on an automatic or recurring basis
Cons:
- Not the most durable vacuum
Drop sensors help your vacuum avoid falling down stairs, while intelligent protection sensors slow the vacuum down to avoid or lightly tap your furniture.
Lefant Robot Vacuum
Best for Cleaning Pet Hair
Upgraded Anti-Collision Sensors Prevent Vacuum from Getting Stuck
This vacuum comes equipped with four different cleaning modes (auto-clean, spot clean, wall follow clean, and manual clean) that can be easily set up and switched by using the app.
Pros:
- Strong suction power with a unique inlet design that does not clog (even with pet hair)
- Small vacuum easily slides under beds, sofas, and other furniture
Cons:
- App can frequently crash
The vacuum can run up to 100 minutes on a single charge, and will return to the charging base automatically once vacuuming is finished (or once the battery runs out).
Shark Robot Vacuum
Best Brushes
Three Brush Types for One Powerful Clean
This vacuum is designed to sense ledges and stairs to avoid falling or damaging your walls and furniture.
Sold in two colors (gray and smoke/ash)
Pros:
- Can be set up and operated simply by using your phone, or with voice-enabled devices like Alexa or Google Assistant
- Runs for up to 120 minutes on a single battery
Cons:
- Sensor is weaker than other vacuums
This vacuum uses the tri-brush system to pull in dirt from edges and corners, channel dirt into the cleaning path, and pick up both large and small debris.
Eufy Robot Vacuum
Quietest Operation
Increased Suction Power at 1300pa
The suction power can be increased within 1.5 seconds when extra strength is needed to get the best possible clean.
Sold in two colors (black and white)
Pros:
- Anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover provides extra protection for evading obstacles and preventing falls
Cons:
- Vacuum can frequently get stuck on thicker carpets and rugs
- Only runs for 100 minutes on one charge
You’ll get a few extra bonuses with your purchase, including a charging base, a remote control with included batteries, four side brushes, and five cable ties.
Roborock Robot Vacuum
Best Battery
Runs Up to 180 Minutes on a Single Charge
No matter how large the room is, or how wide an area you want to clean, this vacuum comes ready and equipped to get the job done.
Pros:
- Can configure your desired water flow to get the right amount of cleaning intensity
- Precision LiDAR navigation combined with adaptive route algorithms helps make sure your floor is cleaned thoroughly and efficiently each time
Cons:
- Cannot be integrated with Google Home
This vacuum comes fully equipped with a maximum suction power of 2000pa to easily lift dirt from your carpet.
These new vacuum, mopping, and carpet cleaning devices may help you take home floor cleaning to the next level.
