Let’s face it folks; nobody likes chores. More so, vacuuming. And even though for some inexplicable reason you actually do love cleaning, you might need something to cover you on that lazy day. Just think about it – All the dust with the bad allergies, to the labor-intensive, back and forth, back-breaking processes. Wouldn’t you rather be doing something else with your time? The answer is yes, you would. Thankfully, we live in an age where we can get machines to do stuff for us. With robotic vacuum cleaners, you can keep those floors sparkling clean without having to lift a finger.
With modern-day innovation, robotic vacuums are now faster and smarter than ever. They have stronger suction capabilities and more advanced programming, which makes them as efficient in cleaning as most people. The cleaners are also subjected through tests to evaluate the type of floor they work best, and how they would navigate through to ensure they cover the entire space. They come in different qualities and varieties such that you can easily afford one depending on your budget. If used regularly, these robotic vacuum cleaners will do wonders in keeping those floors debris and grit-free
So how does one find out which of these vacuums have graduated from a cute little doodad to an actual dustbuster? To save you the trouble, we’ve gone ahead and assembled the best robotic vacuum cleaners out there today.
Top 10 Robotic Vacuum Cleaners Of 2020 Reviewed
1. eufy RoboVac 11
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For CarpetsThe Eufy Robovac 11 is pretty much the basic version of the Deebot N79 in terms of functionality except without the Wi-Fi connectivity and app. It features 1000Pa suction power, can easily navigate around corners using 11 infrared sensors and a pressure-sensitive bumper, has 4 cleaning modes, a 3-point cleaning system, a li-ion battery that can run up to 1.5 hours, and an anti-scratch tempered glass cover.
It does come with a remote control, 4 side brushes, a High-Performance filter, and a cleaning tool. Plus, you get a 12-month warranty. However, the sensors may be too good. If it senses dark or black colors on the floor, it will assume it’s at the edge of something and back away.
Pros:
- Effective on pet hair and general dirt
- Very quiet
- Excellent customer service
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- More expensive than the Deebot N79 which has Wi-Fi connectivity + smartphone app
- Only one programming mode
2. ILIFE V5s Pro Robot Vacuum
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For Pet HairThe ILIFE V5s Pro Robot Vacuum Mop Cleaner is a self-charging, scheduling robotic vacuum that can run up to 140 minutes. It can pick up fur, debris, dust, and dirt while it maps your home. It automatically charges itself on its dock. And it makes use of advanced i-dropping technology, enabling the machine to mop your floor more efficiently. It can also spot clean, auto clean, and edge clean.
It randomly cleans instead of mapping your room so this works better for smaller rooms or apartments. Also, the instruction manual could use a better English translator. The vacuum could also benefit from a larger bin since it seems to fill up quicker than we’d like.
Pros:
- Damp mopping
- Good for cleaning up pet hair
- Can run for 140 minutes
Cons:
- Poor English translation in the manual
- Small bin
- Not for large rooms (no mapping capabilities)
3. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For The MoneyWhen it comes to robotic vacuums, this is perhaps one of the smartest ones we’ve ever seen at a very affordable price. The ECOVACS Deebot N79 features a 3-tier cleaning system: direct suction vacuum, helix brush-roll, and dual side brushes. It has Smart Motion Navigation; it can move over thresholds that are no higher than 1.4 cm, clean under furniture no lower than 8 cm, has sensors that ensure it doesn’t collide with your furniture and makes use of stair safety technology so it won’t accidentally fall off the stairs while cleaning. Not only that, this little helper comes with 4 cleaning modes – auto cleaning mode, single room mode, spot cleaning mode, and edge cleaning mode.
Battery life is 100 minutes and the robot automatically charges itself when it docks. To make things even easier, there’s an easy-to-use app to help you schedule cleanings and get the status of the vacuum at any point in time. However, it’s not Alexa compatible. It doesn’t map the room so it randomly goes around. And it gets stuck quite a bit.
Pros:
- Comes with an app and WIFI capability
- Very quiet
- Anti-collision and anti-drop sensor
Cons:
- Not Alexa compatible
- Does not map the room
- Can get stuck frequently
4. ILIFE A4s Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Under $200the ILIFE A4s Robot Vacuum Cleaner also has a 3-step cleaning system like the ones we saw in our top two picks. This vacuum cleaner can also be scheduled to start cleaning while you’re out of the house. It also does go around randomly, not in straight lines. It’s quiet and does a really good job getting rid of dust, sand, and long pet hair. Spare parts are easy to find for this machine.
However, it does not have Wi-Fi or a smartphone app. And while you can schedule the time of cleaning, you can only schedule it once and it will clean at the same time every day. Other models allow you to schedule the day and time. Also, it does get stuck quite a bit.
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Available spare parts
- Can clean up dirt, sand, and even long pet hair
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi connectivity
- Can only do one schedule
- Gets stuck quite a bit
5. Neato Botvac Connected Wi-Fi Enabled Robot Vacuum
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For Hardwood FloorsThe Neato Botvac is a robotic vacuum that is Alexa compatible and Google Home Assistant! Aside from having Wi-Fi connectivity, it has an app that will allow you to schedule cleanings and receive notifications while you’re outside the home. This little cleaner uses LaserSmart mapping and navigation so that it doesn’t keep cleaning the same area all the time. It has two modes – Eco & Turbo – which allows you to do an energy-efficient clean or a super-powered one.
However, it can get stuck quite a bit and it has difficulty in detecting furniture with reflective surfaces. And it doesn’t have the edge-cleaning modes offered by other less expensive models.
Pros:
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home Assistant
- LaserSmart mapping and navigation
- Eco & Turbo
Cons:
- No edge-cleaning capabilities
- Has difficulty detecting furniture with reflective surfaces
- Very expensive
6. iRobot Roomba 690
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner And MopThe Roomba 690 is the entry-level robotic vacuum offered by one of the leading brands in the market. The price, however, isn’t exactly the lowest you’ll find. Now, this vacuum has Wi-Fi connectivity and remote control with a smartphone app. It is also compatible with Alexa. What we love about this is that it’s based on the iRobot 650 which is a tried-and-true design. It’s been known to hold up well over time and the manufacturer has an excellent reputation for customer service. The company still repairs and sells parts for their Roomba vacuums that were initially released in 2002 so that bolds well for the 690. A lot of spare parts and batteries are also sold by the manufacturer so replacements are easy enough to get.
Now, it does have great cleaning power, sucking up a lot of dirt with each pass. And it comes with a virtual wall which basically tells the bot to not cross a certain line so you don’t have to physically block it from an area you don’t want to be cleaned. As an added bonus, it features Dirt Detect sensors that will let it know when extra cleaning is necessary. However, it does run randomly and bumps into things frequently.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Spare parts available
- Cleans very well
Cons:
- Expensive for an entry-level product
- Bumps into things frequently
- Random cleaning pattern
7․ iRobot Roomba 980
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For Large AreasIf you want something better than the Roomba 960, the Roomba 980 is an upgraded version which means it really costs a lot. But since it’s packed with loads of features, maybe the price won’t hurt that much. It has a lot of the features of the basic Roomba – Wi-Fi connectivity, Alexa and Google Assistant compatible, etc. It can clean different kinds of floors and is incredibly easy to maintain.
What we love about this upgraded version is that it will clean an entire level of your home, just going back to its dock to charge (run time: 120 minutes) and then returning to where it left off until the entire level is done. Even better, it can also remember where it bumped into things so it won’t bump into them again! It also features tangle-free Multi-Surface Brushes and Power-Lifting Suction to give you incredible cleaning power – around 10x better than the 690.
However, the Carpet Boost is loud. The replacement parts are also pricey. And the piece of plastic for opening the filter door is a bit flimsy. Some users have reported how easy they’ve broken theirs.
Pros:
- Recharges and resumes cleaning
- 10x more cleaning power than Roomba 600 or 700 series
- Easy to use and maintain
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Noisy
- Filter latch is flimsy
8. bObi Pet Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For Large AreasThe bObi Pet Robotic Vacuum Cleaner is, as you’ve already probably guessed, specifically for cleaning up after your pets. What it does is it sweeps, vacuums, mops, UV sterilizes, and HEPA filtrates your floor, and it does so all at the same time! In short, your pet’s mess (and yours too) magically disappears with this bot. It features two cleaning modes – GO! and Waffle.
It has a wireless remote that allows you to switch between modes and schedule cleaning. There are touchscreen buttons on top of the bot if you wish to be more hands-on. The dustbin is waterproof and washable. And it can run over 1 hour and 30 minutes before it requires recharging. The vacuum comes with a 2-year warranty.
However, the battery seems to need replacing in less than a year after purchase and the replacement parts are a bit expensive. Plus, it cleans randomly, not in a straight line.
Pros:
- Excellent in cleaning in a pet’s mess
- 5-cleaning actions all in one go
- Easy to use wireless remote
Cons:
- Random cleaning
- The sensors aren’t as “sensitive” as some similarly priced products
- The battery needs replacement within a year after purchase
9. Premium Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Best Self Charging Robotic VacuumThe Premium Automatic Robot Vacuum Cleaner is yet another affordable option offering top-notch performance in the world of robotic vacuum cleaners. The pureatic V2 robotic cleaner uses a combination of 360-degree anti-collision technology and an intelligent drop sensor safety, to keep it from falling off stairs or bumping into your furniture. The cleaner also features anti-scratch glass as its top cover that helps it retain its sleek, ultra-thin design.
The automatic vacuum does not need a remote control. It is futuristic, made to be compatible with your smartphone through a smartphone app. Simply connect through Bluetooth and access its features at the comfort of your couch. The vacuum has relatively strong suction of 1500a that will work well on both floors and carpets. It has a maximum run-time of 100 minutes, and if the noise is a deal-breaker to you, you’d be pleased by the 58 dB (or less) noise levels on this baby.
When it comes to its cleaning process, Premium uses a 3-point cleaning system. This includes a triple filter with dual side brushes, and powerful suction to ensure a more thorough cleanup. The robot is made extra thin to fit into small spaces and packs a dust box of 650ML. This allows it to hold more dirt in each clean while reducing the rate of emptying. All in all, as its name suggests, this automatic vacuum cleaner is truly premium in every sense. Costing less than 200$, it is relatively cheap, yet still encompasses all the necessary features you could look for in a dependable modern cleaner.
Pros:
- Little with an ultra-thin sleek design
- Is compatible with mobile app
- Goes back to charging station by itself
Cons:
- Might get stuck on wires
- Doesn’t navigate through uneven spaces well
- Some users claim it has a tendency of focusing on one spot too much
10. Shark ION ROBOT 750
Robotic Vacuum Cleaner For Large AreasThe Shark ION Robot 750 features Wi-Fi Connectivity and works with Alexa and Google Assistant. You can use the smartphone app to schedule the cleaning. It’s easy to empty out the dustbin. And, the thing that we love the most about it, is its use of Detangling Technology. This innovative technology enables the bot to untangle long hair, string, and fibers from the brush roll so you don’t have to do it. How about that? Plus, it comes with some magnetic tape that will allow you to block certain areas that you want the bot to avoid like an area filled with cords that you’d rather not keep untangling on a daily basis.
However, filters and other replacement parts are currently not available anywhere. Customer service isn’t that great; several users have reported getting no response regarding their complaints. Also, the wifi connection is iffy; it seems to disconnect frequently so you might get frustrated just trying to pair/connect it.
Pros:
- Great at cleaning after pets
- Detangling Technology
- Comes with magnetic tape to block certain areas
Cons:
- Unstable wifi connection
- Poor customer service
- Spare parts currently unavailable
Choosing The Best Robotic Vacuum Cleaners – The Ultimate Buying Guide
If you’ve decided that your life would be a great deal better with the addition of a robotic vacuum cleaner, then you’d be right. While it really isn’t good enough to replace the traditional vacuum, it can do daily cleanup and relegate your deep cleaning to a weekly event which means you have more time for something else. But how does one go about choosing the best robotic vacuum cleaner for their house?
Well, there are certain questions you’ll need to ask yourself which we’ve listed down below. The answers should give you a fair idea of which brand and model suits you best.
Will the Robotic Vacuum be able to Navigate the Rooms Inside My Home?
Most robotic vacuums have sensors that allow them to avoid bumping into furniture. However, some are better at it than others because it makes use of mapping technology such as the Neato Botvac Connected Wi-Fi Enabled Robot Vacuum.
This means that it will be able to navigate more easily across large spaces and complicated room layouts. However, this technology does mean a higher price. For basic layouts or small apartments, you can definitely stick with just the basics like the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner.
Would You want Your Robotic Cleaner to Perform While You’re out of the House?
Obviously, you want to be able to run the bot while you’re away. Talk about a lovely surprise, coming home to clean floors. However, it’s a plain fact that robotic cleaners do end up stuck somewhere, somehow. But there are some who are better at avoiding obstacles or, at least, in getting unstuck.
Also, if you plan on leaving the bot to clean the second level of your home, then you should choose a model that features anti-drop sensors like the eufy RoboVac 11. You definitely don’t want to go home to a broken machine worth hundreds of dollars. Even better, some robotic cleaners come with “virtual walls” or magnetic tape that will enable you to block certain areas of your home. One example is the Shark ION ROBOT 750.
What kind of Battery Life Should You Look for?
All models are equipped with rechargeable batteries but the length of time a battery will allow the bot to operate differs. Large homes will benefit from models that can run far longer than most so that it doesn’t quite clean before it’s done.
The ILIFE V5s Pro Robot Vacuum can run for as long as 140 minutes! And if you can afford it, get a model that is able to return to its docking station 9 times out of 10 to recharge. Looking for a dead bot under your furniture is really not a fun activity.
What kind of Flooring and Debris will the Robotic Vacuum be Dealing with?
What kind of floors are in your home? Some robotic vacuums are great whether they’re working on hardwood floors or carpets such as the eufy RoboVac 11. Homes with thick carpets and/or a huge amount of pet hair will require a robotic vacuum that’s quite powerful.
If you have allergies, you may want to consider one that features a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter so that only a minimal amount of allergens remain inside your home. The bObi Pet Robotic Vacuum Cleaner has such a feature since it was specifically designed to deal with pet hair.
Do You Wish to have Wi-Fi Connectivity?
If you plan on using the robotic vacuum cleaner while you’re away from home, Wi-Fi connectivity is best since it will allow you to check up on the status of your bot while you’re on the go. Some models are even compatible with Alexa and/or Google Assistant like the iRobot Roomba 690.
Most models can be set to clean at a certain schedule, however, some of the lower-priced ones can only be scheduled to clean at the same time every day. Other higher priced models will allow you to customize your cleaning schedule.
How Much Control do You want to have over Your Vacuum Cleaner?
Some robotic vacuum cleaners are easy enough to control, just choose the cleaning mode you prefer. But some offer far more control than that. For example, the Deik Robot Vacuum Cleaner has a remote control that allows you to control the bot’s movement should it be necessary for you to do so.
Conclusion
In the end, when choosing a robot vacuum cleaner, it all comes down to your particular taste and budget. As you probably know, good help doesn’t come cheap. The more pricey cleaners will definitely have more to offer when it comes to their cleaning capability and efficiency. However, there are still some good cleaners you can get on a low budget, which will still give you the most fundamental features.
It’s important also to base your decision on the size and shape of your particular floor plan and the rate at which your floor gets dust. For example, if you live in a dusty, windy area or have pets and children running around, you may want to consider a more powerful cleaner with a durable battery. That said, we are sure you will find one such among our top picks that will make your house ever clean and enhance the quality of your life.