The desire for a better, more convenient way to vacuum reached its next step with the advent of robot vacuums. Robot vacuums have become increasingly advanced and well worth the investment for smart homes, gadget lovers, and anyone who just doesn’t want to spend much time cleaning.
We tested a variety of robot vacuums from different brands, with a variety of different features, smartphone capabilities, and functions to see how well they cleaned.
Explore the features and functions of the best robot vacuums and mops available, plus find out tips for choosing the ideal robot vacuum cleaner for your home.
- BEST OVERALL: eufy by Anker, RoboVac G30
- RUNNER-UP: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: OKP Life K4 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- UPGRADE PICK: iRobot Roomba i7+
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: eufy by Anker, RoboVac G30 Edge
- BEST FOR LARGE SPACES: Roborock S4 Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR PET HAIR: iRobot Roomba i7 (7150) Robot Vacuum
- BEST WITH MOP: iRobot Braava Jet 240 Superior Robot Mop
How We Tested the Best Robot Vacuums
We tested the robot vacuum in a 1-bedroom apartment where two people and two dogs live. There are several types of flooring including hard floors, carpet, and an area rug. There were several days’ worth of dog hair and debris on the floor.
We tested each vacuum in the same way, charging it fully and seeing how well it picked up oat flour (to simulate dust) and bread crumbs. We also created an obstacle course of sorts, seeing how well each vacuum could navigate around large objects like furniture and smaller items such as socks, barrier tape, and wires.
In addition to this, we tested the smart features, downloading the apps to see how well they worked. Finally, we emptied each dustbin to see how easy or hard it was. The results of all the tests were rated on a scale from 1 to 4.
Our Top Picks
We considered factors such as height, suction power, edge sensors, smart technology, and battery runtime to determine the best robot vacuums. Then we tested how well these robots picked up crumbs, oat flour, kibble, and pet hair. We also evaluated how well they moved around large pieces of furniture and small obstacles such as socks and wires.
Photo: amazon.com
If the goal is to find a great robot vacuum with useful smart features to pick up food, dirt, and other debris, the eufy by Anker, RoboVac G30, which has 2,000 Pa of suction, is a great choice. It also has a smartphone app that allows users to review the cleaning history, set a cleaning schedule, switch modes, and much more.
This vacuum passed our general test: picking up kibble, oat flour, crumbs, and other debris. The only thing that slightly disappointed us was that it wasn’t the best at sucking up deeply embedded pet hair from an area rug. So keep this in mind if there are multiple pets and rugs in the home.
It also took more than one try for this model to avoid obstacles, but ultimately it was able to learn the room without an issue, easily navigating around furniture.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 2.85 inches
Pros
- Smart features compatible with Alexa
- Automatic return to dock when the battery is low
- Drop-proof technology
Cons
- Doesn’t pick up pet hair well on carpet
Get the eufy by Anker robot vacuum on Amazon and at Walmart.
Photo: homedepot.com
At only 3.54 inches high and 13.4 inches in diameter, this machine’s patented three-stage cleaning system and dual multisurface brushes grab dirt from carpets or hard floors for up to 90 minutes while a full suite of advanced sensors allow it to skim under open-leg chairs and sofas without getting stuck. An Edge Sweeping brush takes care of corners, and Cliff Detect keeps it from falling down stairs.
The iRobot Roomba 675 learns cleaning habits and can automatically create a customized cleaning schedule. The iRobot HOME app will also suggest extra cleanings when the pollen count is high or during pet-shedding season. Because it has Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, users can start a cleaning session with just their voice.
The Dirt Detect sensor alerts the robot about dirtier areas of the home and the vacuum will clean them more thoroughly. When the iRobot’s battery runs low or the job is complete, the vacuum automatically returns to dock in its recharging station.
If an entry-level Roomba model is the goal, this is the one to pick. While the brand is known for its more expensive robots, this one is priced within reach. We were impressed not only with the smartphone app but also the suction. The dirt cup filled quite quickly, removing oat flour, pet hair, and kibble off the floor.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 3.54 inches
Pros
- Very large brush roll
- Great for pet hair
- Spot-clean feature
Cons
- Challenging to remove the dirt bin
Get the iRobot Roomba 675 robot vacuum at Target, Amazon, or at Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
A true best bang for the buck option, this robot vacuum offers lots of features, including a mopping pad and a smartphone app for a fraction of the price of other robot vacuums. With a height of 3.14 inches and suction of 2,200 Pa, this model impressed us more than some pricier ones. It cleans both carpet and hard surfaces very well and manages to avoid hitting most pieces of large furniture.
The only problem is that the smart features on this vacuum aren’t state of the art. The app, which doesn’t work on 5G Wi-Fi, lacks lots of extra features. However, it does indicate battery percentage, which is helpful.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: Yes
- Height: 3.14 inches
Pros
- Cleaned incredibly well
- HEPA filter
- Very affordable price
Cons
- Mops but without a water tank
- Dirt cup lock seems cheaply made
Get the OKP Life K4 robot vacuum on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Those looking for a top-of-the line robot vacuum may want to consider the iRobot Roomba i7+, which includes a number of high-end features that boost performance and facilitate use. With an automatic dirt disposal system, this smart vacuum empties its contents into the charging dock, which users can expect to empty about every 60 days. While the manufacturer doesn’t provide an exact Pa rating, the specs say that this model provides 10 times stronger suction than the 600 series.
With personalized smart maps, the i7+ learns how to navigate a home efficiently. Smart connectivity allows users to pair the vacuum with a smartphone, tablet, or smart-home assistant so the robot can take its orders even when nobody’s home.
This iRobot is incredibly well designed with great features to get the job done and so much more. One thing that makes this device stand out is that the charging station, while a bit large (which is to be expected because it has a dustbin), is quite stylish-looking. With fluted accents and a leather-like lift tab, it has a clean, modern style that won’t look too obtrusive stashed in a corner.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 3.63 inches
Pros
- Self-cleaning
- Well-designed charging station
- Great smart features
Cons
- Charging station is higher than most
Get the iRobot Roomba i7+ robot vacuum at Best Buy or iRobot.
Photo: amazon.com
Neither carpeting nor low furniture can stop the eufy RoboVac G30 Edge. Its slim, 2.85-inch-tall design fits under most furniture, while its large wheels ease transitions from hard flooring to low- or medium-pile carpeting. The Path Tracking Sensor ensures that the G30 Edge adapts to surface changes while taking the most efficient route to clean each room. Five included cable ties help keep wires and power cords out of the RoboVac’s way.
An advanced brushless motor significantly reduces noise. Nine built-in infrared sensors ensure the RoboVac remains aware of its surroundings, detects preset boundaries, and only cleans predesignated areas. Its 2,000 Pa of suction power delivers noticeably clean floors.
Users may control the G30 Edge with their voice via Alexa or Google Assistant. Helpful voice prompts indicate the RoboVac’s current status and guide users through any problems that may occur. After 100 minutes of quiet runtime, the RoboVac auto-docks when it runs out of juice. An app keeps track of RoboVac’s cleaning history.
While this vacuum had impressive suction, it had an odd movement pattern with grand diagonal sweeps. It also ran into larger obstacles, like a cardboard box and a sheepskin rug on the floor.
However, it transitioned well between different types of flooring including hardwoods, carpet in the hallway, and an area rug in the living room. Still, the G30 Edge is an ideal choice for anyone with multiple types of flooring, especially if they are in a small space.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 4.96 inches
Pros
- Gyro navigation technology
- Impressive suction
- Transitioned well between types of flooring
Cons
- Not suitable for high-pile carpets and very dark-colored floors
Get the eufy by Anker Edge robot vacuum on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
Precision mapping and a revamped drivetrain make the Roborock S4 a great robot vacuum for large homes. A high-precision laser navigation system scans the room to create a real-time map of the home that’s accurate up to 2 centimeters.
With four onboard cliff sensors, the S4 scans the floor and avoids going over edges. The floating main brush adjusts its height for the perfect clean, dropping close to the ground for hard floors and rising on the carpet for proper agitation. A powerful 2,000 Pa of suction cleans both hard floors and carpeting with ease.
The S4 runs up to 150 minutes nonstop, which equals about 2,691 square feet of cleaning power on a single charge. Once the battery has drained, the robot returns to its dock and recharges to 80 percent capacity before getting back to work.
If suction is a priority, this is a choice model that scored high marks on our various tests, especially when navigating narrow spaces. On the other hand, if smart features are a must, this isn’t the right choice because this vacuum is not compatible with 5G.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 6 inches
Pros
- Excellent suction
- Multilevel mapping
- Washable filter
- Navigates narrow spaces quite well
Cons
- Isn’t compatible with 5G
- Doesn’t avoid small objects like socks very well
Get the Roborock S4 robot vacuum on Amazon and at Walmart.
Photo: amazon.com
Pet owners know how difficult it can be to keep a clean home. Fortunately, the iRobot Roomba i7 (7150) is essentially a personal assistant for cleaning. Smart technology lovers may particularly appreciate the compatibility with Alexa. For example, if Fido is getting a little too enthusiastic with his kibble, users can simply say, “Alexa, clean the kitchen floor.”
While it runs a bit loud, this robot has very powerful suction, cleaning deeply embedded pet hair from an area rug. Just keep in mind that serious messes may take more than one go-around. In terms of avoiding large objects, it takes one or two tries, but it learns quickly compared to other options. This model pairs easily with the app, which allows users to create a schedule, check the battery level, and more.
Product Specs
- Smart: Yes
- Mop: No
- Height: 3.63 inches
Pros
- High-efficiency filter traps 99 percent of pet dander allergens
- Works with Alexa
- Recharges and resumes
Cons
Get the iRobot Roomba i7 (7150) robot vacuum on Amazon, at Walmart, and at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Photo: amazon.com
At 3.3 inches high, the Braava Jet sweeps and mops hard-to-reach spots on hardwood, tile, laminate, vinyl, and concrete floors. Precision jet spray and a vibrating cleaning head tackle dirt around toilets, in corners, and below cabinets in an efficient and systematic pattern.
When users choose one of the three cleaning pads (wet, damp, or dry), the Braava Jet automatically sets the corresponding cleaning mode. This makes it feel like a true custom-cleaning experience.
For a long-lasting scent, add the Braava Jet hard floor cleaning solution. When the robot finishes, carry it to the trash, press the pad eject button, and release the disposable cloth into the garbage can.
While it doesn’t vacuum, the cleaning cloths are great at picking up dirt, pet hair, and other debris off the floor, especially in high-traffic areas that don’t usually have much furniture like entryways and kitchen floors.
Product Specs
- Smart: No
- Mop: Yes
- Height: 3.3 inches
Pros
- Battery charges on a wall
- Different types of cleaning pads
- Easy to use
Cons
- So small that it takes a while to finish larger spaces
Get the iRobot Braava Jet 240 robot mop at Best Buy, at Crate & Barrel, or at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Recap of Recommendations
- BEST OVERALL: eufy by Anker, RoboVac G30
- RUNNER-UP: iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: OKP Life K4 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- UPGRADE PICK: iRobot Roomba i7+
- BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: eufy by Anker, RoboVac G30 Edge
- BEST FOR LARGE SPACES: Roborock S4 Robot Vacuum
- BEST FOR PET HAIR: iRobot Roomba i7 (7150) Robot Vacuum
- BEST WITH MOP: iRobot Braava Jet 240 Superior Robot Mop
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Robot Vacuum
When selecting a robot vacuum, cleaning power is undoubtedly a priority, but the effectiveness of any model depends on a variety of factors, such as the size of the room you intend to clean, the type of flooring you have, the vacuum’s battery life, and operation methods.
Coverage Area
When shopping for a robot vacuum, first consider the size of the home. Those with larger homes may want to consider a higher-end model with a longer run time so that it can clean the entire house on a single charge. Some models can return to their charging dock to recharge and then go back out to finish the job, which is a mighty convenient feature in a large home.
For those who live in multistory homes, keep in mind that robot vacuums can’t climb stairs. They’re smart, but they’re not that smart. Also consider whether the home’s flooring is primarily hardwood or carpeting. While robot vacuums are technically designed to handle bare floors as well as rugs and carpets, some perform better on certain flooring types.
Suction Power
The manufacturer might list the robot vacuum’s suction power in one of three measures: air watts (AW), airflow in cubic feet per minute (cfm), or pascales (Pa) Pascales is most commonly used.
The higher the Pa rating, the higher the atmospheric suction power of the machine. While manufacturers often use strong suction power as a selling point for robot vacuums, it isn’t actually a significant indicator of performance. Those with thick carpeting or high-pile rugs may require a robot vacuum with stronger suction.
Generally speaking, most models on the market perform well at picking up dirt, dust, and pet hair from bare floors as well as low-pile carpet and medium-pile carpet. As long as a robot vacuum features a Pa rating of 500 or higher, it’ll get most vacuuming jobs done.
Functions
Robot vacuums often include a selection of operating modes. “Turbo” modes offer quick and intense cleaning power, “eco” modes save battery power, and “quiet” modes won’t disturb others while they’re working, studying, napping, or watching TV. Some vacuums even offer programmable cleaning that can be scheduled in advance.
Some models also feature a built-in mop function, allowing users to clean tile and hardwood floors. They typically include a spray jet for dispensing water and floor cleaner as well as multiple cleaning pads for different types of flooring.
Operation
Along with a control panel, most robot vacuums come with a remote control to activate the vacuum when necessary or change the operating mode.
Many robot vacuums also connect to Wi-Fi for remote operation through an app. In addition to programming the machine, the app may also monitor the robot’s cleaning progress, battery life, and dustbin. More advanced models are compatible with smart-home systems that offer the same benefits, with the bonus of voice commands.
Battery Life
Regardless of its suction power, a robot vacuum won’t clean effectively without a properly charged battery. During an extensive cleaning cycle, some models will automatically dock in their charging stations until refueled and then continue vacuuming where they left off.
Manufacturers often list battery runtime and the area size (in square footage) that the vacuum will successfully clean on a single charge. Expect most robot vacuums to run for between 90 and 120 minutes before they need to be charged.
Additional Features
Some robot vacuums may come with a range of additional features to expand their functionality.
- Size and shape: Diameter does not vary much from one robot vacuum to another, but heights may range from 2.8 to 6 inches tall. A robot with a slimmer profile can access spaces around low furniture. The round shape of most robot vacuums enables easy turning and route patterns, while D-shaped models can turn flat for close cleanup along the baseboards.
- Navigation: Those that land in the most affordable robot vacuum category function by simply bouncing off walls and furniture, operating in erratic patterns. Higher-end models actually perform digital mapping in order to recall a home’s floor plan and operate more efficiently.
- Self-emptying: Some robot vacuums empty the dirt and debris they collect into a receptacle in their charging docks, which only needs to be emptied every month or two.
- Smart-home integration: Some higher-end robot vacuums can sync with smart-home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, enabling voice commands to control the cleaning sessions.
FAQs
If you have questions about how to select or use a new robot vacuum, the following are answers to some of the most common ones.
Q. Can a robot vacuum replace a normal vacuum?
While many modern robot vacuums work well for light day-to-day cleaning, they still don’t quite compare to standard upright vacuums in terms of how much dust and debris they’re able to pick up.
Q. Do I need a mapping robot vacuum?
The mapping function helps conserve battery power, which makes this feature convenient for larger homes. Mapping vacuums use their charge time more efficiently by avoiding cleaning the same areas more than once.
Q. Should I get a robot vacuum with a mop?
Robot vacuums with mops make a great choice for households with children and pets, where floors may benefit from more regular mopping.
Q. What is the best robot vacuum/mop combo?
The iRobot Braava Jet 240 Superior Robot Mop is one of the best options on the market for those shopping for a robot vacuum and mop combo.
Why Trust Bob Vila
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