On that note, there is still a place in the world for cheaper robots that rely on semi-random navigation. (We like to call it bump-and-run navigation.) If you only need to clean a few rooms at a time , then one of these models can get the job done. The Roomba 694, like most affordable robots, is what we call a bump-and-run navigator. Basically, it bloops around semi-randomly until its battery runs low, and then it tries to get back to its dock before it completely runs out of juice (and doesn’t always succeed). And even though it navigates with absolutely reckless abandon, we’ve found that it’s actually a lot less likely to get stuck on random hazards around the house than other bots; it has several specific “escape” routines for common traps.
When it does, it will sit there until it has enough energy to go back out and continue to bust dust from where it left off. You can also set schedules for most bots to wake up and start a cleaning job, so it can take place while you’re out of the house. That means you can potentially avoid all physical interaction until the vacuum needs to be emptied. Unlike more traditional canister or stick models, robot vacuums are autonomous and intelligent. The vacuums we’ve tested are equipped with lasers, motherboards, sensors, and even Wi-Fi to navigate around your home without assistance.
IRobot also sells a few models that are very similar to the Roomba i3 and worth buying if you find them on sale, including the Roomba i4 and the Roomba 900 series, which is older but works similarly. We’ve tested our picks over several years and analyzed thousands of user reviews with AI to help find reliable irobot vacuum cleaner bots. Prices have fallen, and people expect robots to look like they know what they’re doing, so we’ve updated our guidance. Pair our specialized robots together for a complete clean with less effort from you. Let iRobot take care of the vacuuming and mopping so that you can take care of everything else.
You no longer have to suffer the indignity of dragging around an unwieldy plastic hose connected to a clumsy, wheeled canister the size of a Galapagos tortoise. There are many good robot vacuums available to help you dispose of dust, pet hair, and other debris in your home—without needing to lift a finger. We’ve rounded up our highest-rated robot vacuums, and provided a few pointers to help you find just the bot you’re looking for. The affordable Wyze Robot Vacuum methodically zips around your home sucking up dust and pet hair from hard flooring and carpet thanks to top-notch laser mapping and efficient route planning. The 11S is quiet enough that you could easily forget that it’s running if you’re home while it’s working.
Even the most advanced models can’t get into every crevice and hard-to-reach space, and they can’t vacuum upholstery, drapes, closets, drawers and kitchen cabinets, or anything else that isn’t a horizontal surface. When the j7+ is done cleaning, it returns to the base and empties itself into a bag in the larger dustbin at the back of the base. You need to change that bag every two months or so, but other than that, you likely won’t have to interact with it very much at all. The Proscenic M7 Pro is a smart, powerful robot vacuum that can also mop small spaces.
While that means it’s lagging in certain features like carpet boosted suction or smart assistant or app support, you are getting a handy hardwood hoover for far less than you’d usually have to part with for. With a 120 minute runtime and automatic recharging, you might want to consider this model if you’re looking for something cheap to whip around your small hardwood home on preset schedules. This i6+ model is the high-end choice with powerful vacuuming capabilities, advanced navigation and comprehensive smart connectivity. Powerful suction means it’ll pick up whatever you leave on the floors, easily drawing out dust, dirt, crumbs and more. In fact, iRobot says the i6+ has ten times the suction power of its best-selling Roomba 600 vacuums, along with an upgraded three-stage cleaning system (note, the Roomba 694 is the cheapest Roomba on sale, now just $179). On the other hand, if your home mainly has hard floors, look for a model with rubber brushes, which will prevent debris scatter and catch dirt on tile and hardwood.
Our expert industry analysis and practical solutions help you make better buying decisions and get more from technology. For a dependable, versatile, and affordable cleaner, we prefer a bagless upright, but we have recommendations for other types of vacuums as well. If you understand that you’ll probably be disappointed but want to try an AI bot anyway, consider the iRobot Roomba j7 (or j7+) or the Roborock S6 MaxV (both are higher-end versions of our top picks, and each cost a few hundred dollars extra). We’ve tested most of the auto-empty docks out there, including multiple versions from iRobot and Shark, and one each from EcoVacs, Roborock, and a generic-brand dock that came with a generic-brand Roborock knockoff . The Trifo Max worked fine in our tests, nothing impressive or obviously bad.
So yes, if you’re circling your first robot vacuum, I say go for it—but here are a few things to keep in mind about robot vacuums before you pull the trigger. If the models above aren’t fitting the bill, you’ll find plenty more robot vacuum deals at the retailers below. The robot vacuum prices below are much nicer than some of the ridiculous models that come in closer to a grand (yes, Dyson, we’re talking about you). Stock varies bissell crosswave cordless greatly across various countries, so we’ve listed a selection of retailers at the end with regular robot vacuum sales. Battery life is solid – in our experience, you get about 2 hours of cleaning time on a single charge; the robovac automatically returns to its base to recharge if it needs a little juice before finishing the job. Use the handy iRobot Home app to set the vacuum on a cleaning schedule, and to monitor progress.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She’s contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg. The iLife V3S Pro was able to transition easily from a rug to a floor and back up onto the rug without any problem. Because of its low 11.8-inch-by-3-inch profile, it also fits under a dresser that the Shark IQ and iRobot j7+ couldn’t get under.
A self-emptying (or auto-emptying) robot vacuum comes with a big charging dock, which sucks debris out of the robot through a trapdoor in the dustbin, and stores it in a disposable bag or bagless bin . Instead of emptying your bot’s bin after every cleaning session, you only have to empty the dock every month or two. shark cordless Robot vacuums are rightly famous for their ability to find their way around your home, avoiding obstacles like furniture, loose shoes, and the like. But even with their optical sensors and ability to map your home’s floor plan, even the best robot vacuums can find their way into situations that they can’t get out of.