Looking to maintain clean floors effortlessly? Robot vacuums are now more capable and cost-effective than before, and these top-rated models, thoroughly tested, can make home maintenance a breeze.

Vacuum technology has evolved significantly, eliminating the need for cumbersome hoses and bulky canisters. The days of dragging around unwieldy equipment are gone. Now, you can effortlessly address dust, pet hair, and debris in your home without leaving the comfort of your couch, thanks to robot vacuums.

In contrast to traditional canister or stick models, robot vacuums operate autonomously and, for the most part, intelligently. The vacuums we’ve assessed employ lasers, motherboards, sensors, and even Wi-Fi to navigate your home without requiring your active involvement. With few exceptions, interacting with these modern vacuum models is minimal, offering a hassle-free cleaning experience.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Why We Picked It

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni stands out as the most self-sufficient robot vacuum we have tested. Its impressive array of sensors allows for efficient mapping and navigation throughout your home. The built-in AI dynamically determines vacuum strength and water flow based on the specific room it is cleaning. Notably, the X2 automatically lifts the mops away from carpeted surfaces. After completing its cleaning task, it returns to the base station, where it autonomously empties its dustbin, washes and dries its own mops, and refills its tank from the larger reservoir in the base. While the Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni was a solid option, the X2 surpasses it by introducing features such as hot water mop washing, lifting mop pads, and increased suction power.

Who It’s For

The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is a premium, top-of-the-line model that comes with a matching price tag. If you’re willing to invest in the convenience it offers, it’s a worthwhile consideration. Noteworthy features include excellent navigation capabilities and the ability to store multiple maps, making it a top choice for larger homes with various floor types. The vacuum performs well in handling hair and fur, catering to households with shedding pets. While the Roborock and Roomba hybrids on the market have their own strengths, the Deebot X2 Omni secures its place as the top 2-in-1 pick due to its strong overall performance and automatic mop maintenance features.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the midrange Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni is a good alternative. However, if budget allows, the premium X2 Omni offers more powerful suction, additional features like home security camera functionality, and the ability to lift the mop higher.

Why We Picked It

The iRobot Roomba j7+ stands out as one of the most intelligent standalone robot vacuums currently available. Its advanced features include a built-in camera and machine learning technology that enables it to recognize obstacles in its cleaning path and autonomously navigate around them. iRobot has employed PrecisionVision Navigation machine learning algorithms, trained to identify various objects such as phone cords, power cables, headphones, pet waste, shoes, clothing, and towels on the floor. This training is based on hundreds of millions of images contributed by customers who opted in to share their data.

When faced with potential obstacles not in its existing database, the j7+ captures images and seeks user input on whether it should avoid these areas in the future. The review process takes only about a minute, allowing users to swiftly create Keep-Out Zones around specific areas that may pose challenges for less sophisticated robot vacuums. This combination of machine learning and user interaction enhances the Roomba j7+’s adaptability and effectiveness in navigating diverse home environments.

Who It’s For

For those with cluttered homes or pets prone to accidents, the iRobot Roomba j7+ is the ideal standalone robot vacuum to consider. iRobot’s confidence in the robot’s ability to avoid solid pet waste is evident in its P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official Promise) guarantee. If the Roomba j7+ fails to avoid such waste within a year of purchase, iRobot commits to providing a free replacement.

Additionally, the Combo model, available at a $300 premium over the standard Roomba j7+, introduces a key feature: mopping support. This variant enhances the robot’s versatility, catering to both vacuuming and mopping needs in your home. The combination of advanced features, the P.O.O.P. guarantee, and optional mopping support makes the iRobot Roomba j7+ a compelling choice for pet owners and those with busy households.

Why We Picked It

In the current landscape of robot vacuums, the automatic dustbin emptying feature has become commonplace. However, the Shark IQ Robot XL distinguishes itself by adopting a unique approach. Unlike most self-emptying counterparts that transfer debris into a bag, the Shark IQ Robot XL integrates two dustbins—one within the robot and a larger one in the base station, requiring emptying only once a month. This bagless auto-empty system ensures users never have to fret about running out of disposable bags.

The Shark IQ Robot XL further sets itself apart with a self-cleaning brushroll, effectively preventing hair entanglement—a prevalent issue in many robot vacuums. Demonstrating robust suction power, it adeptly tackles dust, debris, and pet hair on various surfaces, from hard flooring to carpets, all while avoiding the common pitfall of getting stuck during operation. The vacuum also boasts intelligent features, such as home mapping for precise room cleaning and the ability to establish virtual no-go zones.

Notably, Shark robot vacuums have garnered high acclaim from feature finders readers, surpassing other renowned brands like iRobot and Eufy in terms of customer satisfaction. The Shark IQ Robot XL stands out as an appealing choice for users seeking a dependable and convenient robot vacuum solution.

Who It’s For

For those seeking an upgrade from a basic robot vacuum to a model with self-emptying capabilities, the Shark IQ Robot XL emerges as an excellent choice. Noteworthy for its bagless self-emptying system and a self-cleaning brushroll, it stands out as one of the least maintenance-intensive robot vacuums in our testing. For users willing to explore a more advanced option, the pricier Shark AI XL presents a compelling alternative, providing double the bin capacity compared to the Shark IQ XL.

Why We Picked It

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni rank among the most automated and hands-free floor-cleaning robots in the market. Similar to the X2 Omni, this premium hybrid, the S7 MaxV Ultra, offers a comprehensive range of capabilities: it not only vacuums and mops your floors but also autonomously handles tasks like emptying its dustbin, washing its mopping cloth, and refilling its water tank, ensuring it’s always prepared for the next cleaning session. Boasting a formidable maximum suction power of 5,100 pascals (Pa), it stands out as one of the most potent models tested.

The S7 MaxV Ultra incorporates Roborock’s VibraRise mop-lifting technology, also found in the more budget-friendly S7+, designed to prevent carpet wetting during dual cleaning runs. It’s worth noting that while effective, the fully retractable mop of the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ outperforms it. Additionally, the S7 MaxV Ultra offers compatibility with a $100 hot air dryer attachment, serving to prevent bacteria and odors on the mopping pad—features that come standard with the X2 Omni.

Who It’s For

If you’re torn between choosing the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra and the similar X2 Omni, the former is the preferable option if you have predominantly hard flooring and prioritize superior mopping performance. The Roborock robot employs sonic vibration technology, enabling it to scrub the floors at a remarkable rate of 3,000 times per minute. In comparison, the X2 Omni’s circular mopping pads spin at a lower rate of just 180 revolutions per minute. While both robots effectively left test floors immaculate, the S7 MaxV Ultra excels slightly more in deep cleaning.

It’s worth noting that the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is favored over the newer Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, which features a non-removable mop mount and, in testing, caused slight scratches on floors. Therefore, the S7 MaxV Ultra stands out as the preferred choice for those prioritizing optimal mopping performance and floor care.

Why We Picked It

Bissell, known for its traditional upright wet and dry vacuums, has entered the robot vacuum arena with the SpinWave Wet and Dry model. This versatile robot is the company’s first to handle dual functions. It efficiently and quietly tackles the removal of pet hair and dust from hard floors and low-pile carpeting. By switching out the dustbin for a wet tank, the robot effortlessly navigates hard floors, utilizing its dual spinning mopping pads to scrub and clean. Notably, the device automatically detects and avoids carpeting and area rugs. Bissell provides users with multiple cleaning solution options, including multi-surface, pet multi-surface with Febreze, and sanitizing solutions.

Who It’s For

The Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry emerges as a top choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking a hybrid robot with excellent mopping capabilities. While it may lack some advanced features found in more expensive models, such as home-mapping, voice controls, and a self-emptying dustbin, it compensates with superior mopping performance. The inclusion of spinning microfiber pads and compatibility with sanitizing and deodorizing cleaning solutions sets it apart from other two-in-one robots in its price range. Particularly recommended for homes with pets or hard-to-clean flooring, this Bissell model delivers a cost-effective solution for effective floor maintenance.

How We Test Robot Vacuums

When evaluating robot vacuums, we conduct thorough testing in real home environments, focusing on various key categories. These include:

1. Battery Life: Assessing the duration of the vacuum’s operation on a single charge to understand its practicality and efficiency.
2. Navigation: Examining the robot’s ability to navigate through different areas of the home, considering its effectiveness in avoiding obstacles and finding its way around.
3. Obstacle Avoidance: Evaluating the robot’s capability to detect and avoid obstacles in its path, ensuring safe and efficient cleaning.
4. Setup Process: Assessing the ease and simplicity of the initial setup process to make the vacuum user-friendly for consumers.
5. Suction Power: Testing the vacuum’s suction power to determine its effectiveness in picking up dirt, debris, and pet hair from various surfaces.
6. Smart Features (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi): If the vacuum supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, we evaluate the accompanying app experience and any additional smart features that enhance user convenience and control.

By considering these categories, we aim to provide comprehensive insights into the overall performance and usability of robot vacuums in real-world home settings.