No matter your budget, you can come home to a house you feel safe walking barefoot in.
BEST DEALS ON ROBOT VACUUMS:
The obsession with robot vacuums is obviously the fact that they make your life 100 times easier, but there’s a hard part to the process: picking one.
“Roomba” and “robot vacuum” are essentially interchangeable terms at this point, but the robot vacuum market ain’t what it used to be. Though we totally back nearly every iRobot Roomba model, there’s a whole new world of brands that you should be considering during your vacuum cleaner research.
We know, we know: Keeping the Roomba models straight is a headache in itself — comparing handfuls of models from competing brands makes sticking with your old, barely-working vacuum look not so bad.
Trust us, that’s not the move.
This criteria can help narrow down your options:
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Some robot vacuums are great at cleaning, but get stuck on carpets or rugs when they have to switch over. If your space includes a multitude of floor types, be on the lookout for this.
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Some robot vacuums navigate between table legs like it’s their job, but some bump and stumble like they’re wearing a blindfold. If you have a lot of close-together furniture, pay attention to this.
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Some robot vacuums can run for two hours on one charge, but some max out at an hour. If you have a larger home that will need longer cleanings, make sure to consider the battery.
As a pet owner, you will need a vacuum equipped with brushes designed to pick up hair without getting it tangled.
Another important aspect for people with pets? The filtration system. Vacuuming is bound to kick up dander, dust, and pollen. A good filter captures all of that and makes sure it gets into the vacuum’s dust bin. We should note that some robot models contain HEPA filters which can catch even smaller particles, leading to cleaner air and a cleaner floor. This is particularly advantageous if you live with an allergy sufferer. We cover all that and more here.
Is Roomba really the best robot vacuum?
In our research, when the Roomba goes on sale people go nuts for them. They’re certainly the robot vacuums we see people buy most often. But if you’re on a budget, then rest assured that there is more to the world of robot vacuums than just Roombas. Be sure to look out for robot vacuums on sale during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day — it’s been a hot sale item for the last few years.
Okay fine, then what are the best robot vacuums right now?
Whether it’s bare floors, hardwoods, carpets, or concrete, we hate cleaning just as much as you do and have laid out a simple, comprehensive list of all the best robot vacuum options below. Remember to hit the arrow to expand each card and read more detailed information about each product.
ILIFE V3s
Hardwood floors will get two hours of powerful suction, but don’t expect much for mopping or carpets.-
Run time:
120 minutes -
App connected:
No -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
No
Robot vacuums get a bad rep for being strictly for people with extra cash. While some models can get grossly expensive (the bottom of this list is yikes), a little research can land you a decent robot vacuum for under $200.
The ILIFE V3s isn’t on Roomba’s level — nor is it on the level of other models considered budget picks, so don’t expect the feeling of a professional clean under your feat. That said, the V3 shines with hardwood, and it does a pretty decent job of keeping tile debris-free. (The mopping capabilities are unique, but they’re so underdeveloped that they might as well not be there.) Owners of high-pile carpets should heavily consider paying the extra $100 for a Eufy, Ecovavs, or model that has a primary rolling brush. That pet hair ain’t going nowhere.
One shining feature is the battery life. At 120 minutes on one charge, the V3s could run circles on higher-end models — potentially an option for a large office space where people won’t be walking barefoot.
Eufy RoboVac 11s
Quiet, low-clearance cleaning and suction on all floor types make this ideal for apartment dwellers.-
Run time:
100 minutes -
App connectivity:
No -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
No
For less than $300, the Eufy 11s packs a serious punch — just don’t expect any bells and whistles. The vacuum uses 1300A of suction power and can clean both carpets and hardwood, but its cleaning paths are more aimless bobbling than they are methodical. There’s no room scanning tech and scheduling is limited, but infrared sensors do ensure that it’s not falling down stairs or running into corners. If you live in a confined space with limited furniture (hey, NYC apartments), this probably won’t be a big deal.
The “S” actually stands for slim: At a mere 2.8 inches tall, it’s also ace for sneaking under lower-sitting furniture.
Shark ION RV750
Shark makes an impressive transition from upright to robot with this WiFi-connected vacuum.-
Run time:
70 minutes -
App connected:
Yes -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
Yes
Shark has dominated the upright vacuum game for years, so it’s no surprise that Shark immediately took on the robot vacuum world. (Dyson, where you at?) It has its shortcomings, but the Shark ION RV750 is a super cheap way to get a robot vacuum with an app.
This Shark robot vacuum is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which you’ll need to utilize, because it doesn’t come with a manual remote. Run time is only 70 minutes, which is great for smaller homes and apartments.
The Shark’s main weakness is one of the things so many want a robot vacuum for in the first place: hair. While dense messes like spilled cereal or dirt from outside will be picked up no problem, fine pet and human hair seem to be left behind (despite the special brush roll). Danny Tanner wouldn’t be impressed, but newbies and people who just want the bare bones will appreciate they don’t have to do the vacuuming themselves.
ECOVACS Deebot N79S
This internet favorite offers powerful suction, great battery life, and a HEPA filter for cheap.-
Run time:
120 minutes -
App connected:
Yes -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
Yes
Don’t let “best for people with allergies” throw you off — the Deebot N79S is an excellent choice for any household of any size and any level of debris. It’s not easy to find a robo-vac that has strong suction on carpet and hardwood, plus app and voice compatibility, plus long run time for an affordable price point, but that’s why Ecovacs is an internet favorite.
Through the app, you can select from three modes like “edge” to go around the corners or “spot” to clean in one spot. Because there’s no room-mapping technology, the paths are random yet reliable. Despite the “S” for slim, it’s 3.3 inches tall and not as good as the Eufy for low-clearance furniture.
Vacuuming tends to stir up dust and dander just as much as it cleans, but the Ecovacs’ HEPA filter works to minimize air pollutants and lasts for up to a year.
iRobot Roomba 960
This is not your basic Roomba — a camera for navigation and Aeroforce lifting cleaning make it the bot to beat.-
Run time:
75 minutes -
App connected:
Yes -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
Yes
When people think Roomba, this is the model they think of. The 960 provides a drool-worthy combination of smart features, methodically-planned cleaning, but has a price that’s not too nauseating.
Cleaning the same spot over and over or knocking into furniture (despite it’s high-tech sensors) is the gripe most customers have with robot vacuums. It’s almost as if the Roomba 960 listened to the complaints and acted on them. The model uses iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization to seamlessly navigate between hard floors, carpets, and rugs without getting stuck, with the addition of a camera making it noticeably more nimble in tight spots.
Similar to the way a human would clean, the 960’s methodical cleaning looks for concentrated areas and chooses where to focus — rather than simply following a pattern that may be skipping crucial areas and obvious hairballs. Using the app, you can decide whether the Roomba cleans a room once or takes a second look.
Neato BotVac
Shedding overload? This ultra-connected vacuum deep cleans and keeps track of what it does — for a price.-
Run time:
120 minutes -
App connected:
Yes -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
Yes
We can’t scientifically back this, but we’re pretty sure pet hair gets up and crawls into corners when we’re not looking. The Neato BotVac D7 was designed in a “D” shape specifically to squeeze itself perfectly into 90-degree areas where hair seems to collect — and where circular bots may miss.
The corner-friendly shape isn’t the only feature to tackle shedding: The opening port is shaped specifically to combat hair clogging, and the included combo brush is uniquely designed to snatch up clinging pet hair. It works hard for sure, but with the BotVac that hard work doesn’t come quietly.
Instead of bumping around aimlessly, the BotVac D7 uses laser mapping to scan rooms and plan out its plan of attack. It can decide on its own how much suction is necessary, but you can draw boundaries on the app to designate a space for more concentrated cleaning or to leave out a corner that can’t be vacuumed (like a kid’s toy room).
iRobot Roomba i7+
It remembers floor plans, is totally self-sufficient, and can even empty its own dust bin without your help.-
Run time:
90 minutes -
App connected:
Yes -
Alexa and Google Assistant:
Yes
Room-scanning and mapping technology aren’t new to robot vacuums, as most competitors either come with built-in lasers or have the option to purchase virtual barriers. However, Roomba raised the stakes with the i7’s ability to remember your home’s layout (up to 10 floor plans). The iAdapt technology remembers where it already cleaned and the spots that need extra attention.
Anyone who spends this much on a vacuum is undoubtedly picky about cleaning. However, most of the i7’s backlash is about price tag and not about the cleaning quality itself. The three-stage cleaning system and dual rubber brushes lift dirt and hair trapped in carpet, and the high-efficiency filter traps 99% of allergies. The i7 can self-empty 30 bins of dust before you even need to touch it.
Roborock S5 robot vacuum and mop
Get a vacuum and a mop in one and leave the cleaning to your robot friend.-
Run time:
150 minutes -
App connectivity:
Yes -
Alexa & Google Assistant:
Yes
Laser range sensors scan every room to create a map of your home, allowing the RoboRock to clean your space effectively. These also allow the RoboRock to easily dodge any objects and corners, eliminating the random bumping and startling sounds used by other robot vacuums while they navigate.
And with over 100 minutes of battery life, your new house mate promises to leave every space better than it found it. (If only your roommates or kids would do the same.)
Eufy Boost IQ 11S
At less than 3 inches tall, this super slim robot vacuum beats out bulkier models and can easily slip under furniture.-
Run time:
100 minutes -
App Connectivity:
No -
Alexa & Google Assistant:
No
The Eufy Boost IQ 11S is one of the slimmest and sleekest robot vacuums on the market, but don’t let its small size fool you. This device is still packed with the cleaning power you need to combat messy floors and carpets. Unlike bulkier models that may have trouble sliding under furniture or in corners, this vacuum is especially made for hard to reach places and measures less than 3 inches tall.
The Eufy Boost IQ 11S is one robot vacuum you won’t have to babysit. Other vacuums may have trouble when coming into contact with corners, furniture, or other hard-to-reach places, however this device is equipped for any obstacle.
With combined slim build and quiet mobility, most customers say you’ll even forget that you own this robot vacuum. (But chances are you won’t forget how clean your floors are.)
Eufy Boost 1Q Robo Vac 30C
Equipped with a larger dustbin than other models, this vacuum will easily suck up any mess your child may have left behind.-
Run time:
100 minutes -
App connectivity:
Yes -
Alexa & Google Assistant:
Yes
Easily control the vacuum even when you’re not at home through the Eufy Home app, perfect for when a surprise visitor decides to drop in and you have to quickly tidy up.
Drop sense technology keeps the Eufy Boost IQ aware of any obstacles in its path, leaving you to take care of the other items on your list and even have fun with your family.
We dive deep into the world of robot vacuums that are best suited for pet hair in this story, but we’ll give you a taste below. Word to the wise: focus on brushes and filters.
Importantly, the 980 offers WiFi capabilities as well as an iRobot Home App which lets you schedule and set cleaning preferences via your phone or tablet. You can also ask Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to start, stop, or dock the robot (just don’t let all that power go to your head). Moreover, you can receive cleaning reports that show exactly where the robot cleaned and how long each area took.
And fear not; this Roomba won’t accidentally fling itself down stairs and come to a premature end. It has sensors to prevent it from tumbling over a drop-off as well as boundary markers to stop it from going into specific rooms or bumping into fragile objects. Best of all, the 980 will smartly return to its dock if it senses it needs to be recharged. Once the battery has regained life, the Roomba will resume cleaning until the work is complete. Because this robot takes pleasure in a job well done!
John, an Amazon customer, writes:
“I purchased the Roomba 980 as my 5th robotic vacuum (I’ve previously owned the Roomba 880, Neato BotVac 65, Roomba 655, Neato XV-11, and a few more). Long story short, this is by far the best robotic vacuum cleaner I’ve ever used, and I highly recommend it if you can stomach the price. You are getting a robot that’s second to none in terms of cleaning power, navigational finesse, and ease-of-maintenance.”
Eufy Robovac 11
Provides a solid clean without breaking the bank.-
Cleaning Time:
100 minutes -
WiFi Enabled:
No
While it doesn’t have any WiFi capability, the Eufy does work in conjunction with a remote control. The remote offers six different cleaning settings—single room, manual, max, spot, auto and edge. This variety of cleaning configuration proves to be pretty useful. The auto mode cleans based upon each room’s layout while edge mode primarily focuses on the edges (obviously). Spot mode seeks out spots of dirt and debris. If you’re cleaning a carpet, you’ll want to set the Eufy to max mode. Single room tells the robot to only vacuum the room it’s currently in, before gently returning to its charging station (though, admittedly, it doesn’t always make it back). Additionally, despite not having a fancy companion app, the remote does feature a button in which you can schedule future cleanings.
Finally, we should note that the Eufy does get tripped up over even the smallest obstructions. You’ll want to make sure your floors are clear of cords or any wayward objects before turning the ol’ robot on.
Amazon customer Adam Skeate writes:
“We have 3 short hair dog breeds who shed something horrible. I could vacuum every day but only did it 1-2 times per week as life is just too busy to do this task daily. My socks constantly picked up dog hair and drove me nuts. We had a coating of hair along the baseboards in our home constantly. Since putting this champ of a vac to work, I wake up to clean floors! No more socks full of dog hair! It picks up dropped kibble from the floor too. Love this trouble free vacuum and would highly suggest it to anyone who has a similar dog situation as I do! The small dust hopper needs to be emptied daily. It’s amazing how much dirt this vacuum finds. It cleans under chairs and tables impossible to get to with a regular vacuum. It’s cool to watch it work as it pivots around chair and table legs.”
ECOVACS DEEBOT 900/901
Offers a lot of the bells and whistles found in more expensive models.-
Cleaning Time:
120 minutes -
WiFi Enabled:
Yes
Like most WiFi-enabled bots, the DEEBOT works with both Alexa and Google Home voice commands. In other words, you can kick back and enjoy some hands-free cleaning. There’s also an accompanying app which let’s you both schedule and customize your cleanings. You can even use the app to construct virtual boundary lines—in case you have a secret room you don’t want your robot seeing.
An Amazon customer, Erin Wyckoff, writes:
“Best purchase I’ve ever made … I let it charge for the full 4 hours and then tested it out. It is really cool to see the vacuum move on the application as it cleans. The technology is really amazing. It astounds me that it is able to map the rooms so accurately. I like the feature that allows to to pick if you only want certain rooms cleaned. It is also helpful to note that we have one room I don’t have it clean every time. If I don’t want it to clean that room I just close the door and it doesn’t have any issues or get hung up in that area. I have it set to clean every night. We need it with 2 very hairy Australian cattle dogs and 2 cats. Ours isn’t a large space and it only takes 20 min to clean the entire downstairs. I’ve not tried to move it to try it upstairs yet but I will. Even if it has to remap itself that doesn’t take long and it still cleans as it goes. I find I need to empty it after every 1-2 cleanings as it picks up a lot! It is very quiet too. I have it running downstairs as I’m typing this and if I didn’t know better I wouldn’t know it was cleaning. I was also nervous about if it would get stuck under our dining room table and chairs. It doesn’t! It navigates them wonderfully! It may need to take a bit more time under them to find its way out but it manages. It did have an issue with the recliner. Note to anyone who purchases: don’t have it clean when a recliner footrest is up-ours got stuck underneath and needed to be saved.
So far I’ve not had any issues with it being able to find its way back to the dock either! Even my husband had his doubts before we got it but after the first cleaning he fell in love with it. It helps us keep up with the endless pet hair and dirt, without requiring us to haul out a heavy cumbersome vacuum every day. I should also mention how it can be triggered to vacuum even from miles away! I was at work and tested it out and sure enough it started vacuuming when I told it to even though I was 60 miles away.
Overall, it is worth every penny (even if not on sale) and the application works perfectly and is intuitive.”
