Best Robot Vacuums 2023: Top Picks and Expert Guide

Robot vacuums have revolutionized how we clean our homes, offering convenience and efficiency to busy households. These smart devices use advanced navigation technology and powerful suction to tackle dust, dirt, and pet hair, allowing homeowners to maintain cleaner living spaces with minimal effort. As technology continues to advance, the selection of robot vacuums on the market has expanded, providing a range of options to cater to various needs and budgets.

a black robot vacuum on a wooden floor

The benefits of owning a robot vacuum go beyond the obvious time-saving advantage. These devices can also reach tight spaces and navigate around obstacles more effectively than traditional vacuums, ensuring a thorough clean every time. Additionally, many robot vacuums come with smart features that allow for automated scheduling, remote control, and compatibility with home assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

When searching for the best robot vacuum, it’s essential to consider factors such as suction power, battery life, navigation technology, and additional features that may cater to particular needs, such as pet owners or allergy sufferers. The ideal robot vacuum should be able to effectively clean various floor types, including carpets and hard surfaces while offering minimal maintenance and operating quietly.

To help you make an informed decision and find the perfect robot vacuum for your home, we’ve spent countless hours researching and testing various models on the market, assessing their performance, features, and value. In the following sections, we’ll delve into our top picks and provide detailed information on what makes each option stand out.

Best Robot Vacuums

In this article, we have compiled a list of the top robot vacuums available in the market to help you maintain a cleaner home with minimal effort.

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

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iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
23,318 Reviews
iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

The iRobot Roomba 694 is a reliable and efficient option for keeping your home clean, especially for those with pets and various floor types.

Pros

  • Personalized cleaning recommendations
  • Efficient on pet hair, carpets, and hard floors
  • Voice control and iRobot Home App compatibility

Cons

  • May struggle in larger homes
  • Not as advanced as higher-end models
  • Charging plug-ins might be inconvenient for some users

The iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum is a versatile device that makes your home cleaner and smarter. With personalized cleaning suggestions powered by iRobot OS, this vacuum learns your cleaning habits and creates custom schedules to tackle daily dirt, dust, and debris on carpets and hard floors.

This robot vacuum features a 3-stage cleaning system and an edge-sweeping brush that ensures corners and edges are well cared for. The patented Dirt Detect technology focuses on dirtier areas for a thorough cleaning. You can easily start a cleaning session using the iRobot Home App or voice control through Google Assistant or Alexa.

However, the Roomba 694 might have difficulty navigating and fully covering the entire space for larger homes or complex floor plans. It may also lack some specialized features found in higher-end models. The charging plug-in design might not be convenient for all users and could use improvement.

Overall, the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum is a dependable choice for those looking to keep their home clean with minimal effort. Its personalized cleaning recommendations and effectiveness on various floor types make it a solid investment, especially for pet owners.

Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim)

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Pros

  • Super-slim design (2.85″)
  • BoostIQ technology for increased suction power
  • Quiet operation (no louder than a microwave)

Cons

  • May struggle on high-pile carpets
  • Limited battery life (100 minutes)
  • No mopping function

The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S is a highly efficient robotic vacuum cleaner with a super-slim design that easily navigates under furniture and accesses tight spaces around your home. I found that it operates quietly, which is great for those sensitive to noise or who prefer cleaning during late hours.

BoostIQ technology is a standout feature of this vacuum cleaner, as it intelligently increases suction power when deep cleaning is needed without manual intervention. This means your floors will be thoroughly cleaned, despite stubborn dirt and debris.

While using the Eufy RoboVac 11S, I noticed it performs exceptionally well on hardwood floors and medium-pile carpets. However, it might struggle on high-pile carpets due to its slim design and suction power. One downside is its limited battery life, lasting only up to 100 minutes, which might not be enough for larger homes. The lack of a mopping function might also be a dealbreaker for some who require a complete cleaning solution.

Overall, the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S is a suitable choice for those seeking a slim, quiet, and efficient robotic vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors and medium-pile carpets. Its intelligent BoostIQ technology, sleek design, and ease of use make it a worthwhile addition to your home cleaning routine.

Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum

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Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum
3,626 Reviews
Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum

The Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum is an effective choice for tackling pet hair and maintaining a clean home with minimal effort.

Pros

  • Exceptional suction power
  • Precise navigation and mapping
  • 60-day self-emptying base capacity

Cons

  • Application issues for some users
  • May leave marks on baseboards
  • Adjustments needed for optimal mapping

The Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum features powerful suction and advanced navigation capabilities, ensuring a deep clean on various surfaces. Its ability to seamlessly transition between carpet and hard floor types makes it ideal for homes with mixed flooring. The vacuum’s self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris, meaning you won’t have to worry about constantly emptying it.

One downside to this vacuum is that some users have reported issues with the SharkClean app, including connectivity problems and limited functionality. Nevertheless, the vacuum can still thoroughly clean without the app, especially with its compatibility with voice-activated devices such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

To avoid the vacuum leaving marks on baseboards during the initial mapping phase, removing any nearby objects less than six inches from the ground is recommended. This enables it to create a more accurate map of your home and reduces the likelihood of any scuffs.

Overall, the Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum is a great investment for those looking to minimize their cleaning efforts while maintaining a tidy home, particularly for pet owners. Just be prepared to make some adjustments upon initial setup to achieve optimal performance.

Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL

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Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL

The Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is a game-changer for busy households, with its powerful suction and minimal maintenance demands.

Pros

  • Self-emptying base holds up to 45 days of dirt and debris
  • Self-cleaning brush roll prevents hair wrap
  • Total home mapping and room selection for targeted cleaning

Cons

  • Non-washable filter
  • May struggle on thick carpets
  • App and voice control can sometimes be tricky

The Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is perfect for pet owners who want a low-maintenance vacuuming solution. It’s designed for homes with pets and is equipped with a self-emptying base, self-cleaning brush roll, and a high-efficiency filter to capture dust, dander, and allergens. I enjoyed the fact that I could forget about vacuuming for nearly six weeks, thanks to the large-capacity bagless base.

In my home, with mostly hardwood floors and a few area rugs, the Shark IQ Robot did an admirable job of deep-cleaning large and small debris. The self-cleaning brush roll was particularly handy as it effectively removed and prevented pet hair from wrapping around it. No more time spent manually removing tangled hair!

The total home mapping technology and room select feature allowed me to schedule whole-home cleanings or target specific rooms as needed. With row-by-row cleaning and the ability to navigate from room to room, the Shark RV1001AE managed to cover my entire living space. The recharge and resume function added extra convenience, letting the vacuum return to its dock for recharging before continuing its cleaning task from where it left off.

The main drawbacks I encountered were the non-washable filter and occasional difficulty navigating thick carpets. Additionally, while the ability to control the vacuum through the SharkClean app, Amazon Alexa, or Google Assistant is a great feature, it sometimes requires several attempts to execute the commands properly.

In conclusion, the Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a powerful, low-maintenance vacuum that can navigate homes effectively. Though it has minor drawbacks, the overall convenience and cleaning power make it a worthwhile investment.

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
2,553 Reviews
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is a top choice for a hands-free cleaning experience with advanced features and powerful performance.

Pros

  • ReactiveAI 2.0 Obstacle Avoidance
  • Self-Refilling and Self-Emptying
  • Highly Intelligent Navigation System

Cons

  • Higher Price Point
  • Bulky Docking Station
  • May Experience App Connectivity Issues

We’ve been using the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra for a while now, and it has been a game-changer in our home. One of the standout features is the ReactiveAI 2.0 obstacle avoidance technology, which uses a combination of an RGB camera and a neural processing unit to navigate around common domestic hazards. This advanced feature has helped the vacuum effectively clean even dark rooms with ease, avoiding obstacles and ensuring no spots are missed.

Apart from the impressive obstacle avoidance, the S7 MaxV Ultra is also fitted with a self-refilling and self-emptying system, allowing for extended mopping and vacuuming. The dock holds enough dust for up to 7 weeks without emptying, and the water tank is refilled automatically, making the whole cleaning experience truly hands-free. This has made our life so much easier, especially when we have a busy schedule.

One downside we’ve noticed with the S7 MaxV Ultra is the price, as it is on the higher end of the spectrum. However, considering the features and performance, we still think it’s worth the investment. Additionally, the docking station can be bulky, which might be an issue if you have limited floor space.

Lastly, we’ve experienced occasional app connectivity issues, which may require some troubleshooting to resolve, but this has not significantly impacted our overall satisfaction with the product.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-end robot vacuum and mop that provides an efficient, hands-free cleaning experience, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is a great choice. Although it comes with a heftier price tag and has a few minor drawbacks, its advanced features and powerful performance more than make up for it.

Buying Guide

Factors to Consider

When choosing the best robot vacuum for your home, consider the following factors:

  1. Floor type: Different robot vacuums are designed for different floor surfaces, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet. Make sure to select a model that works well on your specific floor type.
  2. Battery life: Battery life can vary between models, with some lasting up to 2 hours while others may only last about 1 hour. Consider your home’s size and how long you want the vacuum to run in a single session.
  3. Navigation and mapping: Many robot vacuums come with advanced mapping and navigation features that allow them to clean more efficiently and organized. This often leads to more thorough cleaning and better coverage.
  4. Suction power: The suction power of a robot vacuum determines how effectively it can remove dirt, dust, and debris from your floors. Higher suction power typically leads to better cleaning performance.

Features to Look For

When comparing different robot vacuum models, make sure to pay attention to the following features:

  • Wi-Fi connectivity: With Wi-Fi connectivity, you can control the robot vacuum remotely through an app on your smartphone.
  • Smart home compatibility: Some robot vacuums are compatible with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, allowing for voice commands and easy integration.
  • Boundary markers: These markers let you restrict the cleaning area and prevent the vacuum from entering certain rooms or areas.
  • Automatic docking and recharging: This feature allows the robot vacuum to return to its charging station when its battery is low and automatically recharge, so it’s ready for its next cleaning session.
  • Dust bin size: Consider choosing a vacuum with a larger dust bin as this allows for less frequent emptying and enhances convenience.

Comparing Models

To help you find the best robot vacuum for your needs, use the following table as a template to compare important specifications:

FeatureModel 1Model 2Model 3
Floor TypeHardwood/CarpetTile/LaminateAll Floor Types
Battery Life1.5 hours2 hours1 hour
Wi-Fi ConnectivityYesNoYes
Smart Home CompatibilityAmazon Alexa & Google AssistantNoGoogle Assistant
Boundary MarkersNoYesYes
Automatic Docking & RechargingYesYesNo
Dust Bin Size300ml500ml450ml

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