It’s easy to open and empty, even easier than the higher-end Shark IQ XL. Since there’s no indicator to show when the bin is full, we recommend emptying it each time it returns to the base to recharge. You’ll also get the satisfaction of seeing how much dirt and pet hair the vacuum picks up that you might not otherwise be able to reach. What sets the Eufy 11S above the budget competition is the ability to change the power level while the unit is cleaning. This is the only unit we tested that lets you change the power and suction level while the vacuum is operating.
You can schedule cleaning sessions or use a voice assistant to start one, but even though it’s connected, you can’t map your home or target areas to be cleaned. We don’t think the extra connected features are worth the extra money, so for $50 less, irobot vacuum cleaner we found the Eufy 11S to be a better vacuum. Like other self-emptying robot vacuums, the Shark IQ XL returns to the base and empties its contents. The Shark, however, is the only vacuum we tested that features a bagless self-emptying base.
When you find the right one for you, be sure to read up on our simple robot vacuum tips. Some only require an initial battery charge, while others ask you to install side brushes and batteries. For connected bots, app design and reliable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are major factors that impact your experience.
Eufy makes several RoboVac models built on the same base as the 11S, plus extra features. The following table is a cheat sheet of the most popular Eufy bump bots as of November 2021 (though it’s not a full list of all their models). On its strongest suction setting , the S4 Max has enough oomph to suck up almost anything from a bare floor, but even the Balanced suction setting is fine for common debris like crumbs or pet hair. Its single brush can pick up surface-level debris from most types of carpets, but it won’t dig up hair like a dual-brush Roomba can. The Roomba i3 is also a better cleaner than most robot vacuums—at any price.
This dust-pickup test gives me a visual gauge for each bot’s raw cleaning power. Here, listed in alphabetical order, are eight standouts from CR’s rigorous robotic vacuum tests. For complete test results and even more options, see our robotic vacuum ratings; and check out our vacuum cleaner buying guide to find out how robotic vacuums compare with other types of vacuum cleaners. Roombas almost never go on sale, so if you’ve been looking for a good Roomba deal, this is one you won’t want to pass up. The $250 discount is the largest price drop we’ve see for a Roomba all year, and at $549, you get a top-of-the-line robot vacuum that’s usually almost double the price.
And while the 11S will get your floors much cleaner than if you didn’t vacuum at all, this bot just isn’t built to dig up much debris from rugs, especially softer, thicker types. Like the Roomba 600 series , the 11S is shark cordless a semi-random navigator and works best in small spaces. The Neato Robotics Connected series of robot vacuum cleaners has been hit and miss. Thankfully, they got all the connectivity features of the D4 model just right.