The 8 Best Robot Vacuums to Buy In 2023

Best Robot Vacuum Overall

iRobot

Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum with Auto Dirt Disposal

Best 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Roborock

S7 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Best Robot Vacuum for Cleaning Corners

Neato Robotics

D8 Intellligent Robotic Vacuum

Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Shark

RV1001AE IQ Robot Self-Empty XL Robot Vacuum

Best Midrange Robot Vacuum

iRobot

Roomba i3 EVO (3550) Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum

Best Robot Vacuum for Carpets and Pet Hair

roborock

Q5 Robot Vacuum

Best Budget Robot Vacuum

iRobot

Roomba 694 Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum

Best Multi-Functional Robot Vacuum

Bissell

SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuum

How to Find the Best Robot Vacuum for You

Two decades after iRobot introduced everyone to the first Roomba, there are dozens of decent to great robot vacuums available. They’re surprisingly sophisticated little devices, which can make it difficult for non-techies to compare one model to another. Here’s the low-down on the most important things to look for when shopping for the best robot vacuum for you.

Automation and Smart Features

Almost everyone shopping for robot vacuums is looking to make their life easier. So, the most important consideration is, “How smart is it?” The best robot vacuums are usually the smartest ones with excellent automation features. Think intelligent scheduling, laser-powered floorplan mapping, stair/edge avoidance, and the ability to seamlessly switch between cleaning carpet and hard surfaces and back again. There’s no right answer here; it’s all a matter of personal preference and how much work you want your robot vacuum to take off your plate. Just know that, of course, the smarter they are, the more they’re likely to cost.

Rug and Carpet Cleaning

Almost any halfway decent robot vacuum can clean hardwood and bare floors. But only the best models can also tackle rugs, carpeting, and, perhaps most importantly, pet hair. The latter is the biggest challenge as lesser vacuums tend to tangle and require you to frequently clean the vacuum cleaner. It can be hard to know how well a specific model works for sure without testing it in your home. Here is where verified buyer reviews come in handy.

Dimensions

Most modern robot vacuums are between 4-5 inches tall. The key is to make sure that the height of your new vacuum is low enough to clear your lowest furniture (assuming you expect it to clean under your furniture, too).

Budget

The price of robot vacuums varies widely. You can find cheap, knockoff models for around $100. As a rule of thumb, though, anything less than $200 is likely to be very low quality or it will lack the most essential features that you want in a robot vacuum to actually make your life easier. The best value models run between $400-500, and the best robot vacuums overall (like the top-of-the-line models from iRobot) can top $1,000. Again, it’s a matter of personal preference and how much you’re willing to spend to automate your housecleaning tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions for Robot Vacuums

What are the advantages of owning a robot vacuum?

If you’re still vacuuming your home yourself in 2023, it’s time to catch up to the future. The best robot vacuums often do it better than humans, since they can get under furniture without the hassle of lifting and moving it around. Plus, you can program them to clean on a schedule while you’re at work or overnight so your home is always freshly vacuumed. Some versions even empty themselves into dustbin bases, so you don’t have to get your hands dirty every time.

For people with pets who shed, a robot vacuum is a must-have machine that pays for itself in the time you spend cleaning up after your pet. No more wrestling with heavy vacuum cleaners in a panic every time you’re expecting company–just put your robot vacuum to work, so you can enjoy clean, fur-free floors every day without having to lift a finger.

What does a robot vacuum look like?

Robot vacuums are typically round in size, and around a foot in diameter. They sit low to the ground (usually around 4-5 inches tall), so they can effortlessly maneuver under and around furniture. They come with a docking station, which plugs into the wall and serves as a home base for the robot to charge when not in use. Robot vacuums were fairly pricey when they first came out years ago because the technology was so innovative and exciting. But luckily today there are plenty of affordable options on the market that get the job done. Some of the more expensive robot vacuums available have higher suction power and larger dustbins, as well as advanced algorithms and A.I. enhancements to give them the brainpower to tackle specialized tasks, like avoiding pet accidents.

What tools do you need to clean your robot vacuum?

Like a regular vacuum cleaner, robot vacuums need occasional maintenance in order to clean effectively and properly. (Yes, sometimes you still need to clean the vacuum cleaner.) Hair is one of the most common things that gets stuck in a vacuum’s components. It can easily be clipped using scissors or a sharp knife to cut the strands before removing. You’ll also want to wipe the sensors clean with a dry cloth to ensure your robot vacuum maintains its fine-tuned sense of direction. Finally, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the filter, and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

How We Selected the Best Robot Vacuums of 2023