Today, household floor cleaning can be managed with the push of a button instead of the push of a vacuum cleaner. Or better yet, with a voice command. Robot vacuum cleaners go to work cleaning tiles, laminate, carpets and other floor surfaces while we’re busy working or relaxing elsewhere.
And non-techies need not fear. Anyone can easily operate and appreciate the features and benefits of these intelligent machines. Schedule cleanings remotely, map and store floor plans for different rooms, and never worry about recharging your vacuum, thanks to the programming built into popular robot vacuum cleaners.
Whether you are replacing or supplementing your conventional human-pushed vacuum cleaner, these robot vacuum reviews will help you navigate the exciting world of connected technologies and select the best robot vacuum cleaner for your needs,
Robot Vacuum Top Picks Comparison Chart
Image | Product | Latest Price |
iRobot Roomba i7+
| ||
ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
| ||
Coredy Robot R500+ Vacuum Cleaner
| ||
ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 2-in-1 Vacuuming & Mopping Robot
| ||
iRobot Braava jet 240 Superior Robot Mop
| ||
iRobot Roomba 891 Robot Vacuum- Wi-Fi Connected, Works with Alexa, Ideal for Pet Hair, Carpets, Hard Floors
| ||
HOBOT LEGEE-669 Vacuum-Mop Robot
| ||
iLIFE Shinebot W400 Floor Washing Scrubbing Robot
| ||
Lefant M300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
|
Robot Vacuum Reviews: 9 Best Robot Vacuums of 2024
It wasn’t long ago that robotics and artificial intelligence were the things of futuristic television shows like The Jetsons and Futurama. Now robots and AI are very much a part of our regular daily lives. Advancements in technology have affected the way we work, play and even the way we clean our homes [1].
Advanced as they are, not all robot vacuums are created equal. Some robots sweep while others mop. Some navigate away from virtual boundaries while others get under and along hard to reach places. And all robot vacuums come with a different look, noise level and price tag that may or may not be to your liking.
Here are the top 9 picks for this year’s best robot vacuum cleaner:
1. iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal – Best Overall
VIEW PRICE
The iRobot Roomba i7 gets our vote for best overall and is in our opinion, the Cadillac of robot vacuums. This best selling vacuum is loaded with smart features and powerful cleaning capability suitable for homes with hard floors, carpets and pets.
Imagine giving the simple voice command, “Roomba, clean my kitchen” and watching your robot vacuum go to work picking up dirt, debris and pet hair from the floor. iPhone and android users will love using their smartphones with the iRobot HOME app or combined with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to control and program the Roomba i7+.
You can map multiple rooms so Roomba remembers each layout, then schedule which room to clean and when. You can also set keep out zones to avoid objects like dog bowls and litter boxes.
Once vacuuming begins, navigation technology optimizes cleaning; rubber brushes maintain contact to effectively clean carpets and floors and floor edges; and the high efficiency filter traps pet allergens.
When the vacuum loses power, it will return to its base to recharge and resume cleaning. And when you’re ready to dispose of weeks of dirt, dust and hair (the AllergenLock™ bag holds 60 days worth), the automatic dirt disposal allows you to do so hands-free. The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a floor cleaning dream come true!
What It Does:
- Sweeps and vacuums
Key Product Features:
- 3-stage cleaning system
- Power-lifting suction for 10X air power
- Patented iAdapt 3.0 technology with vSLAM navigation
- Visual navigation and multiple floor plan mapping
- Automatic dirt disposal
- Recharges and resumes
- Works with iRobot HOME app, Alexa and Google Assistant.
Great For:
- Hard floors
- Carpets
- Homes with pets
Drawbacks & Limitations:
Price – The iRobot Roomba i7+ does heavy duty cleaning but comes with a hefty price tag. Of all the products in our robot vacuum reviews, this is the most expensive. In addition to the initial investment you can expect to purchase disposable dirt bags beyond the two included with purchase.
Charging – If you are upgrading to the i7+, note that the dirt disposal unit is not compatible with other iRobot models.
2. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner – First Runner-Up
VIEW PRICE
In reviewing some of the best robot vacuums on the market, this one’s our selection for first runner up.
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S boasts a high efficiency filter that reduces the airborne triggers that affect many allergy and asthma sufferers (2). It also has multiple cleaning modes for different cleaning jobs: auto mode for entire floor cleaning, spot mode for a small area, and edge mode to clean the hard to reach areas under furniture or along the wall.
Smart Motion technology enables the robot cleaner to clean effectively in a single pass or in multiple passes. In homes with multiple levels, anti-drop sensors help safely clean around stairs. And whether you’re in a bungalow or 3-storey home, the anti-collision sensors and bumper will prevent the vacuum from bumping into or damaging furniture while cleaning.
The DEEBOT quietly sweeps and vacuums with 2x suction power for heavy duty messes, runs for up to two hours at a time, and returns to its charging dock when the battery gets low so it’s always ready to be used again.
As with our overall favourite, the iRobot Roomba I7+, this Ecovacs Deebot vacuum works with Alexa, Google Assistant and its own app for scheduling, status updates and more.
This robot vacuum is great for everyday use in all types of homes, with popular features and an affordable price compared to other brands and models.
What It Does:
- Sweeps and vacuums
Key Product Features:
- Max mode power for 2X suction
- Auto, spot and edge modes
- Obstacle detection and anti-drop
- Low noise level
- Auto return and charging
- Works with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant
Great For:
- Hard floors and carpets
- Multi-level homes
- Everyday use
Drawbacks & Limitations
Random Navigation – This particular DEEBOT model includes random navigation technology which means you must move cables and some other items to prevent entanglement while cleaning. (Smart Navi (™) 2.) Optical and Smart Navi (™) 3.0 laser technology are available in on newer DEEBOT models.)
Sensors & Boundaries – The sensors that prevent collision can be affected by room lighting, colour of furniture and scratches on the bumper. There is no ability to set virtual boundaries that keep the robot out of designated areas.
Charging – The robot will return to its charging dock, but will not resume cleaning once re-charged as with other models.
3. Coredy Robot R500+Vacuum Cleaner – Most Stylish
VIEW PRICE
If your choice of robot vacuum cleaner is at all determined by aesthetics, we think you’ll love the sleek, stylish design of this Coredy robot vacuum combined with its technology.
Don’t let the super thin design and quietness of this robot cleaner fool you. While it’s small enough to get under furniture and clean hard-to-reach places, it also packs some serious cleaning power. With five cleaning modes to choose from, you can use this vacuum to sweep, damp mop, wet mop and vacuum around the house, boosting suction power when needed .
The virtual navigation technology includes upgraded anti-collision and anti-drop sensors plus a pressure sensitive bumper to prevent the vacuum from falling down stairs or being stopped by obstacles in its path.
Pet owners will appreciate the triple filter system which helps reduce dust and allergy particles in the home. And because this robot is designed to move smoothly from floor to carpet, you can easily get rid of pet hairs that have inevitably accumulated on both surfaces.
The long lasting battery allows you to clean that dirt, debris and pet dander in one two-hour session. And when it’s done, the robot will return to its base where it should be kept between uses.
What It Does:
- Sweeps, mops and vacuums
Key Product Features:
- MAX 1400pa super power
- 5 cleaning modes
- Infrared anti-collision and anti-drop sensors
- Super quiet
- Super thin (2.7”)
- Auto return and recharge
- Remote control operation
Great For:
- Hard floors to carpets
- Hard to reach areas
- Homes with pets
Drawbacks and Limitations:
Connectivity – While this robot may work with your overall decor, it does not work with WI-FI, Alexa or Google Assistant so you are not able to manage floor cleaning via voice command or remotely.
Navigation – This model does not have a mapping however, boundary strips can be purchased separately should you want to control the areas in which the vacuum will or will not go.
4. ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 2-in-1 Vacuuming & Mopping Robot – Best 2-IN-1 Vacuum and Mop
VIEW PRICE
2-in-1 vacuuming and mopping all over the house? Yes, please! Households with multiple levels, hard floors and carpets will appreciate the many features of this smart robot vacuum and mop.
It’s everything you can ask for, really. With three levels of suction, you can increase vacuum cleaning power for tough cleaning jobs. Whichever suction level you use, the DEEBOT vacuums and mops simultaneously to remove bacteria and is smart enough to avoid carpets when it’s mopping(3) .
Paired with its cleaning power, is superior laser technology. Map and store floor plans, choose where you want to clean, and operate the robovac using voice and app controls via your smartphone. As with most virtual navigation technology, the OZMO 950 will avoid obstacles, not drop down stairs, and operate only within virtual boundaries.
Large areas and rooms are no problem for this robot cleaner as it runs for over three hours, then recharges and resumes on its own.
What It Does:
- Simultaneously vacuums and mops
Key Product Features:
- 3 levels of suction power
- Multi floor mapping
- Area and custom mode
- Over 3hrs of battery life
- Low sound level
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Great For:
- Large homes with multiple cleaning spaces
- Everyday cleaning
Drawbacks & Limitations:
The only real limitation here is the price tag. If smart features and simultaneous vacuuming and mopping are what you want, you’ll pay a premium price attached.
5. iRobot Braava jet 240 Superior Robot Mop – Top Mop
VIEW PRICE
If cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and other tiled areas is a priority in your home, check out our review of the iRobot Braava jet 240. Specially designed for dry sweeping, damp sweeping and wet mopping, this robot mop cleans dirt and stains from hard to reach places around toilets, tubs and cabinets leaving a fresh scent behind.
Wet mopping removes dirt and stains from well-sealed floors; damp sweeping is great for dirt and dust; and the dry sweeping mode is best for cleaning dust and hair from hard floors.
Simply attach the appropriate jet pad type, start cleaning, and hit the pad eject button when you’re done. So not only is your sweeping and mopping hands-free, but you won’t have to touch the dirty cleaning pads either. And they will indeed be dirty, given the awesome cleaning power of the vibrating cleaning head.
This superior robot mop is app-enabled allowing you to use virtual wall mode to restrict the vacuum within kitchens or other rooms without a door. Got carpeting around the house? Not to worry, this mop knows it’s a mop and will avoid riding up on area rugs as well as avoiding other obstacles in its path.
What It Does:
- Sweeps and mops
Key Product Features:
- Jet spray and vibrating cleaning head
- Maximized edge design
- Built-in virtual wall mode
Great For:
- Hard floors including tiles and stone
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Small spaces and hard to reach places
Drawbacks & Limitations
Manual Operation – Unlike the first iRobot vacuum in our reviews, this one cannot be scheduled or started remotely.
Charging – This mop does not have automatic charging so you’ll have to make sure it’s recharged after each use.
Chemicals – If you are sensitive or otherwise averse to scents or the use of cleaning chemicals, you may choose not to add the Braava jet Hard Floor Cleaning Solution.
6. iRobot Roomba 891 Robot Vacuum
VIEW PRICE
We like this iRobot Roomba 891 for many of the same reasons we like its brandmate, the iRobot Roomba i7+ (see Roomba i7+ review above).
Start your robot vacuum conveniently from home or while you’re out using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Or schedule and operate your vacuum using the iRobot app. Either way, you’re assured of powerful sweeping and vacuuming action that will clean hardwood, tile and laminate floors throughout your home as well as carpets. This robot cleaner works well for open and hard-to-reach areas thanks to the edge sweeping brush.
And with intelligent visual navigation and mapping, this mid-priced robot vacuum will learn and remember your floor plans. Got a big mess or high traffic area? The patented sensors detect the dirt and know to work harder in these concentrated areas.
Pet owners benefit from high performance brushes that pick up pet hair and debris while avoiding tangles. This great quality robot vacuum cleans for up to 90 minutes before recharging and resuming on its own. Once the dirt bin is full, an indicator will let you know it’s time to be emptied.
What It Does:
- Sweeps and vacuums
Key Product Features
- Power-Lifting Suction for 5X the air power
- Intelligent navigation and mapping
- Cliff detect sensors
- Edge sweeping brush
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Recharge and resume
Great For:
- Hard floors including tile, hardwood and laminate
- Carpets
- Pet hair
Drawbacks & Limitations
Run Time: With a shorter run time than other models, you’re not likely to clean an entire floor in one turn.
Virtual Wall: This boundary feature is not included but can be purchased separately.
7. HOBOT LEGEE-669 Vacuum-Mop Robot
VIEW PRICE
Looking specifically at robot vacuums for wet floor cleaning, this one gets honourable mention.
Floor washing is a breeze with this robitized mop that uses a 4-step cleaning process to vacuum, spray, wipe and mop hard floors. The Hobot 669 starts by vacuuming dust, dirt, crumbs and other dry debris from the floor, before moistening the floors and wiping remaining dirt away. Think Cheerios crumbs and spilled milk.
Like the other machines with advanced navigation systems, this vacuum-mop combo uses sensors to avoid obstacles in its cleaning path and to move about the floor in the most efficient way for entire surface area cleaning, quick cleaning or perimeter cleaning.
Speaking of perimeters, edge cleaning is enhanced by the D-shaped design of this robot vacuum that effectively cleans along walls and in corners.
And almost as impressive as what it does, is what it doesn’t do. This vacuum won’t get tangled in cables, won’t leave excess water on your floors like some mops are reported to, and won’t disrupt your activities with loud noise.
What It Does:
- Vacuums and mops
Best For:
- Floor washing
- Hard to reach areas
Key Features:
- 4-step floor cleaning
- Dry and wet mopping
- Intelligent navigation
- D-shaped design
- Auto cleaning mode
- Low noise
Drawbacks & Limitations
- Price – This vacuum-mop robot has patented technology and a high sticker price to match.
Carpets – Not suitable for carpeted areas.
8. iLife Shinebot W400 Floor Washing Scrubbing Robot Vacuum
VIEW PRICE
The options for robotized floor cleaning are pretty amazing and this mopping machine is right up there with the best robot cleaners.
Household stains are this machine’s specialty. Remove spills, footprints and other wet messes from floors inside and outside the home.
Not only does this robot mop have powerful scrubbing action, it has two separate water tanks for spraying clean water and collecting dirty water, which amounts to cleaner floors.
Using spot mode allows for more robust deep cleaning of thick stains in a very small area, while area and path modes will clean a wider area.
What It Does:
- Mops and vacuums
Great For:
- Hard floors including tile and laminate
- Kitchen & bathroom
- Small spaces
Key Product Features:
- Patented 4-step washing system
- 3 cleaning modes
Drawbacks & Limitations:
Run Time – At 80 minutes, the run time is short relative to other robot maps but sufficient to do small spaces in one run.
Charging – Must be recharged manually when the battery is exhausted.
9. Lefant M300 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
VIEW PRICE
If great features and great value are your top priorities in a robot vacuum cleaner, look no further than this user-friendly vacuum.
The Lefant M300 is small but mighty with enough suction to eliminate dirt, debris and pet hair from hard floors and carpets. What’s unique about this model compared to the others in our robot vacuum reviews is that its body is one piece, which makes it more durable and reduces the risk of malfunction. Impressed? There’s more.
The Free Move technology within this robot allows it to predict and avoid troublesome areas where it may get stuck while cleaning. And sensors prevent it from falling down stairs or off edges.
We love how simple and quiet this vacuum cleaner is. Get up to two hours of cleaning per charge and a fresher, cleaner home with the touch of a button.
What It Does:
- vacuums
Great For:
- Hard floors and carpets
- Mid-sized homes
- Homes with pets
Key Product Features:
- Free Move technology
- Anti-drop sensors
- Slim, unibody design
- Large dust box
- Easy one-button operation
- Low noise
Drawbacks & Limitations:
Connectivity – This robot vacuum is not WIFI connected and doesn’t include a remote control, though the one button operation makes it simple to use.
Are Robot Vacuum Cleaners Worth It?
If you are new to the world of robot vacuums, this household appliance may have seemed to come out of nowhere. Until recently, you had no idea there was an alternative to operating a vacuum by hand. But the robotic vacuum cleaner actually dates back to at least 1996 (4).
iRobot, one of the brands included in our reviews of the best robot vacuums, has been at the forefront of robotizing household chores. Their previous iterations of the revolutionary product included the Scooba® robot floor scrubber, Dirt Dog® robot sweeper and Roomba robot vacuum (5).
Earlier versions of the intelligent machine weren’t as smart as today’s robot vacuums. Manufacturers hadn’t yet figured out how to prevent the robot vacuum from bumping into objects or missing areas.
How A Robot Vacuum Works
The latest robot vacuum designs use ultrasound and laser technology that reads and interprets data through a microprocessor. This information allows the robot to map its cleaning path and detect dirty areas, as well as, avoid getting stuck, bumping into objects or falling off edges. Anti-drop, anti-bump, anti-winding, anti-twining and mapping ability are all terms you’ll find in descriptions of robot vacuum features.
Who can benefit from a robotic vacuum cleaner?
Obviously we can all benefit from having clean homes and vacuum cleaners are one of the household appliances that help us eliminate dust, dirt, odours, etc. (6) And while just about any of us can benefit from the time-saving benefits of robot cleaners, there are particular populations that stand to benefit even more from the hands-off cleaning approach.
- Large, busy households
If you have a large household, you likely have a lot to clean, especially in high traffic areas. Staying on top of it can mean having to sweep or mop several times a day. A robot vacuum helps you save time and keep the house clean by operating on its own while you work, sleep, or check other tasks off your list.
- People with pets
Similar to large, busy households, pet owners have constant cleaning to keep up with from dogs that shed to cats that track litter through the home. Short daily runs of the robot vacuum can help keep your place and clothes looking great, and keep pet-related allergy symptoms at bay.
- Anyone with mobility issues
If you’ve ever experienced back pain, shoulder issues or restrictions to regular daily activity, you know that a routine chores like vacuuming can become difficult.(7) Robot vacuums are a great solution for anyone advised to limit or avoid the pushing and weight-bearing actions. This also applies to pregnant women and post-surgical patients who have been advised to avoid household chores.
- Independent cleaning businesses
If you have a cleaning business or cleaning side hustle, quality and efficiency are the name of the game (8). With robot mops and robot vacuums you can automate floor cleaning and free yourself and staff up for other tasks.
What is the best robot vacuum?
To determine which is the best robot vacuum for you, start by considering the following factors:
- Type of surfaces to be cleaned (e.g. floor, carpet) and type of cleaning needed (e.g. sweeping, mopping, vacuuming). This will determine the type of robot to purchase.
- Size of area to be cleaned (i.e. square footage of floors and rooms). This will help determine how important run time and recharging features are for you.
- Furniture and objects in the room (e.g. tables, sofas, wires, toys, dog bowls). The more there is to maneuver around or stay away from, the more important virtual navigation features will be.
- How and when you’ll operate your vacuum. If you want the ability to start your robot vacuum remotely or monitor its progress while you’re out, you’ll need a robot vacuum with an app or smartphone connectivity.
- Do you have pets? Some vacuums clean pet hair and debris better than others. Look for powerful suction, effectiveness on both floor and carpet, and brushes designed to pick up pet hair without it getting tangled. The best robot vacuums for pet hair will most definitely include these features.
How much is a robot vacuum?
Our robot vacuum reviews include various types of robot cleaners ranging from under $200 to $1,000 dollars. The robot mops are generally the least expensive and the fully loaded robot vacuums the highest priced.
References
[1] 12 smart home gadgets that practically clean the house for you (Business Insider)
[2] Asthma Triggres (MayoClinic.org)
[3] In the Kitchen: Prevent the Spread of Infection (University of Rochester Medical Center)
[4] Invention of Robotic Vacuum Cleaners (VacuumCleanerHistory.com)
[5] iRobot History (iRobot.com)
[6] The Health Benefits of Cleaning (Rush University Medical Center)
[7] Back Pain Tips (WebMD)[8] How To Start A Cleaning Business (Entrepreneur.com)