Robot vacuum buying guide—what you need to know

Robot vacuums have come a long way since their debut more than 20 years ago. In that time these bots have gone from a novelty to a staple household appliance. Some of today's best robot vacuums include advancements like AI object recognition and self-emptying bases. This technology can automatically clean your house and store debris for up to three months without requiring you to lift a finger. 

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With this convenience, it&#;s no wonder why more and more of us are opening our homes to these little helpers. But with so many robots released each year it can be tough to spot what makes a model one of the of the best robot vacuums. This guide will take you through the different types available, as well as the features, strengths, and weaknesses to look out for, so you can make an informed decision.

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

You're going to want to set a budget before anything else. Robot vacuums can cost anywhere from $200 to over $1,400, so it&#;s surprisingly easy to overspend. We recommend deciding on a maximum price as well as must-have features to help you get the best value for your money. Some of the best cheap robot vacuums we've tested can't map a room but clean it just as well (or even better) as those three times the price thanks to impressive suction power. Don&#;t be driven by expensive features you&#;re not likely to use. 

The best robot vacuum for you will vary depending on the layout of your home as well as your specific needs and preferences. For instance, some function better on hard floors, while others excel on carpets. If you&#;ve got pets running around, the best robot vacuums for pet hair have strong suction power to grab hair. If you&#;ve got plenty of hard floors, perhaps one of the best robot mops will be necessary.      

How we test the robot vacuums in this guide

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We&#;ve tested countless robot vacuums to help you pick out your ideal cleaner. Each model earned a cleaning efficiency score based on how much Cheerios, kitty litter and pet hair it picked up from both hard floors and carpet. Plus, we used each robot vacuum at home, exactly as you would, to find every pro and con behind the design and app features like no-go zones and multi-level mapping. 

After extensive testing, we&#;ve compiled several buying guides to showcase our results, including the best Roombas, the best cheap robot vacuums and the best robot mops. We can even tell you what it's like when you use a robot vacuum in your home for the first time. So if you want to know more about robot vacuums so you can decide if one is right for you, you&#;ve come to the right place. Here are some buying tips to get you started.

Robot vacuum deals 

If you&#;re thinking about investing in a new robot vacuum, be sure to check out our robot vacuum deals page first. We update it regularly with the latest sales in robot vacuums and mops. Plus, models with self-emptying bases sometimes make an appearance.  

Quick tips for buying a robot vacuum

1. Start by surveying your home. Consider whether you mostly have hard floors or carpet. If you have carpet, how thick is it? Think about pets as well &#; will the robot vacuum have to pick up kitty litter or thick fur? These are all important aspects to consider before you start shopping for a robot vacuum.  
2. Decide on your budget. As mentioned earlier, robot vacuums with the latest features can cost well over $1,000. Cheaper models are available for around $200, but be prepared to lose some of the premium features, such as smart home connectivity or the self-emptying dustbin. 
3. Do you want an app with that? Some robot vacuums can be connected with dedicated apps. Apps are useful for monitoring your robot vacuum and scheduling cleaning sessions. These can also help with mapping out your home and creating no-go zones.  
4. Robot vacuums use varying methods of navigation. If you invest in a lower-end robot vacuum, it will likely move sporadically and bounce off walls and obstructions in the process. Whereas, some medium and high-end models use lasers and optical sensors to guide them. 
5. Some models clean better than others. Every robot vacuum performs differently. Some collect dust and debris more effectively than pet hair, while others might work better on hard floors rather than carpet.  

Why do you want a robot vacuum?

iRobot Roomba i3+ 

(Image credit: Future/Meghan McDonough)

The future is here with robots handling many of our daily tasks: Cars that drive themselves, drones that navigate the sky, and robot vacuums that find their way around furniture. A robot vacuum keeps things relatively clean and saves you the hassle of hauling out the heavy canister vacuum every time a bowl of peanuts falls on the floor.

Though robot vacuum technology has advanced a lot recently, you&#;ll probably still want to keep a traditional vacuum cleaner around for deep cleaning. Robot vacuums are great for daily tidying-- picking up stray crumbs, cat litter, hair of all types, dust bunnies and everything else that finds its way onto your floors. They're suited for office spaces, too, because the last thing you want to worry about when you're on deadline is why the floor is covered in sprinkles. They&#;re also great for living spaces shared with roommates as it means there&#;s one less chore to split up. 

Many robot vacuums can be scheduled to run as often as multiple times a day, and some app-enabled robots allow you to watch their progress as they clean. If you're concerned about allergies or dust, you can also find models that empty the on-board dustbin into a larger bin in the base &#; minimizing your exposure to dust.

Robot vacuum buying guide: How big is your house?

First things first: Consider how big your house is before you start browsing the Amazon aisles. Some robot vacuums, like the iLife V3s Pro, work better in small environments like apartments and townhomes, while models like the Roborock S4 Max are better-suited for spaces of up to 2,000 square feet with multiple rooms and multiple floors. Your pick will mainly depend on the size of your dwelling.

You'll also want to figure out how much room you have under the furniture for the robot vacuum to pass through. Robot vacuums like the iRobot Roomba i3 are 3.6 inches tall and likely can&#;t fit under a couch, At just under 2.85 inches tall, the Eufy Robovac G30, for example, has an easier time navigating through tight spaces.

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(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Do you have carpets or hardwood?

Most robot vacuum models can easily handle cleaning both carpets and hardwood, but some are better at cleaning one or the other. Higher-end robot vacuums such as the Roomba J9+ Combo can accommodate rapid surface changes by folding its mop pad atop itself and ramping up power whenever carpet is detected, and then throttling back down when it senses hardwood. Rugs should also factor into your buying decision. You might find that lower-end models will get caught up in tassels.

iRobot Braava jet m6

(Image credit: Future)

If you're just looking for hardwood maintenance, you can go as cheap as the $118 iLife V3s Pro, as it does very well with cleaning pet hair off hardwood floors. If your floors are vinyl and tile, and you're hoping for some mopping help, there's the iRobot Braava jet m6, which is specifically made for dusting and washing floors using a spray nozzle. (It's tops on our list of the best robot mops). 

We've tried so-called hybrid robot vacuums that can both vacuum and mop, but found the trade-offs rarely justify the price and don&#;t actually make the tasks any more convenient. One exception is the Roborock S7, which is the first robot vacuum/mop we've tested that performs both jobs well without breaking the bank. 

Do you have cats or dogs (or any other pet that sheds)?

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Thankfully, many manufacturers make robot vacuums that are suited for cleaning up after pets. Models like the iLife V3s Pro, the Roomba S9, and the Roborock S4 Max scored the best in our robot vacuum lab tests, picking up nearly all pet hair on both hardwood and carpeting. And if you suffer from allergies, these robot vacuums have high-efficiency filters to help eliminate allergens that are hanging in the air.

Of course, the downside to having a robot vacuum clean up after your pets is that you'll also have to make sure you plan for frequent maintenance. Things like the roller brush, side brushes and filters will eventually wear out and need replacing. And even if you just want a robot vacuum to help with kitties that scoot their litter over the side, you'll need to remember to empty out the dustbin frequently so that it doesn't overflow. Don&#;t want to think about it? 

There are now several robot vacuums available with self-emptying dustbins such as the iRobot Roomba i7+, the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8, and the Shark IQ. Some manufacturers allow you to purchase the auto-emptying bases separately, so you can upgrade if you decide it&#;s a feature you&#;d like.

If your pets sometimes have accidents, which can be your worst nightmare when combined with a robot vacuum, then you might be interested in the new iRobot Roomba j7+. It features machine learning to identify objects and learn from its encounters. This means it's guaranteed to avoid pet poop &#; when we put it to the test, we found it was very effective. 

• iRobot Roomba s9+ vs. iRobot Roomba i7+: Which is best for pet hair?

Should you get a self-emptying base? 

Premium robot vacuums often come with self-emptying charging bases. These start from about $350 and can go as high as $1,400 with the latest features. There are lots of benefits to getting a self-emptying base. First, your robot vacuum can literally self-empty, so if the onboard dustbin is filled mid-route, it can empty itself and then continue cleaning uninterrupted. A self-emptying base saves you from the chore of emptying the dustbin so often as well, with most bases able to hold around 60 days of dust. 

Plus, because the dust is collected and sealed in a dust bag, you're not exposed to the dirt when the time comes to change the bag &#; great if you suffer from allergies. If your robot vacuum has a mopping function, some bases come with water tanks and scrubbing abilities as well, so it can keep the mop cloth clean. Ultimately, this technology makes your robot vacuum more independent and capable. 

However, there are some drawbacks to self-emptying bases. Ignoring the additional cost, these take up a lot more floor space. A robot vacuum with a self-emptying base protrudes much further from the wall and sits much taller. These devices also make a lot of noise when in use &#; as loud if not more so than a full-size vacuum, and one emptying session can last for around 30 seconds at a time. The value of a self-emptying base comes down to your own needs and preferences. If you suffer from allergies or can&#;t stand touching the dirt, it can be a real benefit. But, if you&#;re tight for space and like a quiet household, it may not be to your taste.  

Do you want a "smart" robot vacuum?

The internet is a glorious thing that helps keep us connected, not only to other people but also to our appliances. Most robot vacuums now offer companion apps for your smartphone that give you full control over your bot wherever you are. Even vacuums that don&#;t support mapping, such as the iRobot Roomba 675, are connected to your home&#;s WiFi and controlled via an app. While features vary by manufacturer and model, most robot vacuum apps allow you to start and stop the bot, schedule cleanings, and increase or decrease suction intensity.

If a robot vacuum has app capabilities, it often means that it also offers Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration. If it does, you can enable its voice-command capabilities by enabling the skill and saying "Roborock, start cleaning!" and the vacuum will get going.

There are still a few entry-level robot vacuums that come with a remote instead of connecting to an app. While you&#;ll save some dough, it could be a hassle to use all of the vacuum&#;s features if the remote goes missing. At the very least, all robot vacuums include an onboard start/stop button.

Hybrid robot vacuum/mops aren't great

There are more than a few robot vacuums that also have a mopping feature built in, which is in theory a great idea: A single device to clean both your carpets and your hardwood floors. However, the models we've tested didn't excel at one or both functions. 

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So far, our favorites are the Roborock S7, the Roborock S6 MaxV, and the iLife V5s Pro. The V5s Pro was inexpensive and great at vacuuming, but was a poor mopper. Yes, it'll cost more, but if you want a robot mop, it's worth investing in a dedicated device. For smaller homes, the iRobot Braava jet 240 ($179) is a simple, affordable dedicated mopping bot.

Battery life isn't a huge concern, unless you have a huge house

Here's the thing about robot vacuum battery life: It only matters to a certain extent. Throughout all of our robot vacuum testing, nearly every vacuum we tested lasted through an entire cleaning session without needing to charge.

On average, a robot vacuum can clean for up to an hour and a half, with some high-end models lasting a full two hours. Many vacuums will even navigate back to their base stations, charge up and then finish cleaning to get the deed done.

Settle on a budget

Robot vacuums are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes and at varying prices. As with most things in life, the more you spend, the more features you get. For example, higher-end robot vacuums will have better mapping capabilities and include features like keep out zones, single room cleaning, and targeted area cleaning for high traffic spaces. They also have more add-on features such as charging docks with auto-emptying dustbins and sonic mopping attachments.

However, we've found robot vacuums less than $200 that clean just as well, if not better, than models that cost three to four times as much. Just don&#;t expect too many fancy features. Also, keep in mind that many manufacturers will discount older models as they release newer ones. 

Robot vacuum buying guide: What you get for less than $200

Low- to mid-end robot vacs will offer long cleaning times, large dustbins and low profiles, but, to save you a few bucks, they often forego such things as Wi-Fi connectivity and sophisticated navigation. So, instead of moving around a room in an orderly fashion, they'll ping-pong around randomly until the job is done.

Our top pick under $200 is the iLife V3s Pro, which is just $118, but was one of the best cleaners of all the robot vacuums we tested. Almost as impressive is the WiFi-connected iRobot Roomba 675, which can be found for $199 and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.

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Robot vacuum buying guide: What you get for $200- $600

If you&#;re able to budget more for home cleaner, you&#;ll have a lot of options with features such as home mapping, room-specific cleaning and automatic dirt detection. Mapping is incredibly handy because it increases a robot vacuum&#;s cleaning efficiency and ensures that the vac is cleaning the whole level and not aimlessly bouncing around under kitchen chairs.

Our current overall favorite robot vacuum, the $429 Roborock S4 Max sits right in the middle of this price range and multi-level mapping and room-specific cleaning. Other solid picks in this range are the Neato D4 for $299, the quiet cleaning Eufy Robovac G30 Edge, and the iRobot Roomba i3+ with self-emptying base for $599.

Robot vacuum buying guide: What you get for more than $600

Good help doesn't come cheap. There are relatively few robot vacuums in this price range, and most of the advanced features available in these bots fall under &#;nice to have&#; instead of &#;absolutely necessary.&#; These include the ability to map up to 10 floors, avoid specific areas, empty their own dustbins, and work in partnership with other robot vacuums.

Our top pick in this bracket is the iRobot Roomba S9+, which is not only an excellent vacuum, but also has a recharging base with a dustbin that sucks the dirt out of the vacuum. This means you don't have to empty the vacuum after each cleaning nor do you have to deal with the dust. The S9+ also works in conjunction with the iRobot Braava jet M6 ($399), a robot mop, so that when the vacuuming is done, the mop can take over. However, the S9+ costs $1,099 ($899 without the self-emptying base), so it's a real investment. 

How easy is it to clean or maintain?

Since robot vacuums are designed to clean, we often forget that these also need regular maintenance. In fact, forgetting to clean is one of the 9 vacuum cleaner mistakes you&#;re probably making.  It's best to always empty out the bins after use to prevent an overflow of dirt and grime. This will also affect the robot vacuum's over performance.

Similarly, it's good practice to cut free any hairs which have tangled in the rotating brush as well as clean the filters. Some brands come with a designated cleaning tool to make these tasks easier. In addition, the filters will need replacing &#; you should refer to your manual for guidance on how often to replace and where to buy. 

What are the disadvantages of robot vacuums?

Sometimes robot vacuum cleaners do sound too good to be true, and there are definitely factors you should be aware of before making a purchase. 

Firstly, a robot vacuum won&#;t replace your upright model. Unfortunately, these devices can&#;t provide as much power as corded or stick vacuum cleaners. Robot vacuum cleaners will only offer light, everyday cleaning &#; you unfortunately will still have to get out the best vacuum cleaner every couple of weeks. So forget about giving up vacuuming by hand in exchange for a robot vacuum cleaner.

Next, robot vacuum cleaners can take up a substantial amount of floor space, particularly if you opt for one with a self-emptying base, and they&#;re situated permanently. We found the impressive-looking Roborock S7 MaxV needed a lot of room to fit the multifunctional base &#; the dock has a total footprint of 19.4 inches by 16.5 inches. And add to that, any robot vacuum you buy will require a certain amount of empty space on each side and above to function. Make sure you check the space requirements before you pick a model, and consider how this will impact the decor of your home. 

Robot vacuums have come a long way, and some of the best robot vacuums are pretty independent, but unfortunately some can still get stuck in tight spaces and require your help to recommence. So, unless you move all potential obstacles out of the way prior to each session, be prepared to help your robot vacuum once in a while. If you decide to purchase a model without a self-empty base, be aware that you will need to empty the dustbin yourself every couple of runs as well. 

While it&#;s good to be aware of the above, don&#;t forget about the convenience and the positive impact these devices can have on your day-to-day life. They will ultimately keep your home clean and require very little maintenance.   

Robotic vacuums have become both widely available and beloved to eager buyers in recent years. They&#;re expected to make up more than 96% of household robotic appliance sales in , according to the International Federation of Robotics.

Why then has everyone become so enamored of these little guys and their sweeping prowess? And why should you take the plunge and buy your own? We explain all of this for you in the post below.

1. You don&#;t have to be home to clean

Having a robotic vacuum in your life means that you never have to worry about taking chunks out of your free time for vacuuming. They can be programmed to do their rounds while you&#;re out of the house. If your schedule is regular, simply set up the timing so that the chore gets done while you&#;re at work.

If you&#;re going to be out of town for work or a vacation, your robotic vacuum is happy to keep doing its job, taking care of any dust or other debris - guaranteeing you a lovely clean floor upon your return.

2. No worries about recharging

Yep, these vacuums return to their docking station for recharging at the end of each cleaning cycle. As long as their charging dock is plugged in, you never have to worry about low batteries. Some models will even stop cleaning and return themselves to the dock, should they detect a low battery.

3. They&#;re flexible about the types of surfaces they clean

You know how you&#;re always adjusting your regular vacuum&#;s settings as you move from room to room, encountering hard floors, low pile carpets, and thicker rugs? Robotic vacuums are designed to handle this on the fly with their sensors that detect changes in floor surfaces. You can let them run all around your home, and they can handle the changes of surface with ease.

4. Sets boundaries

If you&#;re worried about your robotic vacuum cleaner taking a tumble down the stairs, or bonking into your fragile floor vases, you can let it know that these spots are off-limits. Do this by setting up a virtual wall in the programming function. This will act as a boundary that your device cannot cross.

Top tip: To allow your robotic vacuum to do its best job, do a little prep work and tidy up. You&#;ll want it to be able to have free range to do its job - which means picking up floor clutter like toys and any other unplanned obstacles in its path. You&#;ll always have a neater home in the process.

5. Built-in sensors detect dirt for spot cleaning

Robotic vacuums have built-in sensors that can detect what areas of your home need extra work, and they&#;ll make extra passes over the area. High traffic areas like hallways, entryways, mudrooms, and playrooms will get the extra attention they need to keep them clean.

6. No manual cleaning

Not only will you spend less time pushing a regular floor vacuum around, you will not have to worry about the strain that comes with vacuuming. You will be able to go about usual your day-to-day activities while your robotic helper will handle the vacuuming, keeping everything cleaner than ever. There simply won&#;t be enough time for dirt and debris to build up, and you&#;ll never worry about how your floors look to unexpected guests.

7. They&#;re great in tight spaces

Even with the best of regular vacuums, it&#;s impossible to squeeze all the way under beds, back in corners and odd spots, and under cabinet edges. Robotic vacuums go right up to the wall and scoot under the furniture in pursuit of dust bunnies with never a complaint.

8. Connect to your home Wi-Fi

Robotic vacuums have evolved. Many of them now have the ability to connect to your home Wi-Fi and be linked to your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to control the robotic vacuum from your device. For example, the &#;Roombas&#; both work with iRobot&#;s mobile app, called Home.

Need a quick sweep before you get home? Just pull out your and let your vacuum know!

9. Cordless design

The problem with vacuum cleaners that have cords is that they can cause a lot of hassle when it comes to moving them from room to room. Most importantly, accidents can occur when the cords get tangled and people trip and fall over them.

With a robotic vacuum, you will not have to worry about any of the above. You&#;ll get all of your floors cleaned without having to keep plugging and unplugging the device.

10. Great for people with injuries or disabilities

Even lightweight modern vacuums can be hard to operate for anyone recovering from injuries or living with a disability. You&#;ve probably noticed that a session of vacuuming is much more of a workout than you would expect. Robotic vacuums are totally independent as they go about their work, and you don&#;t have to do any pushing, pulling, or reaching. They are also great for elderly individuals, too.

Conclusion

Robotic vacuums are better than ever, and bound to improve your home life. They keep your floors cleaner, cut down on dust and other allergens in ways that your manually operated vacuum never could, and give you much more free time. They change your life in the most positive of ways!

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