Three Reasons Why Your Robot Vac Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

Top Rated Robot Vacuums

A robot vacuum can keep your floors tidy enough to decrease the frequency of manual hoovering. Select a vacuum that is well-trained in navigation, is able to clean stairs and corners, and that has large bins that will need to be emptying every so often.

There are models that mop and charge on their own which can be beneficial for those with pets or children. A majority of the top performers in our tests have excellent ability to overcome obstacles.

1. iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO

The i3+ EVO and its sibling, the i3 EVO are both identical robots, but they differ in that the i3+ comes with self-emptying features. The i3+ is a great option for those looking for a an entirely automated, hands-free cleaning experience, but want to manually empty the dustbin of the best robot vacuum black friday robot vacuum for the money [Read Even more] once it gets full.

Both robots are adept at picking up surface debris on carpets and hard floors, and they're very adept at moving around furniture and other obstacles. iAdapt navigation software creates smart maps of your home, which help the i3+ EVO navigate and clean in a way that maximizes efficiency. However, unlike the i7+ and other top-rated robots we tested the i3+ does not have obstacle-avoidance capabilities, so it may get stuck on things such as power cords or socks, and it may have trouble traversing transitions across surfaces like from hardwood to carpet.

iRobot suggests cleaning up the area where the i3+ EVO vacuums before using it. This includes getting rid of any toys or other items it may encounter. It is also recommended to keep the filters and dust bin clean to prevent them from getting blocked. When the i3+ EVO’s internal bin is empty or the battery is depleted, it returns to the docking station and automatically empties the dirt into the station's dust bin. It then continues cleaning where it started. The i3+ EVO's batteries last for about an hour and a half continuous use. It takes around three hours to fully recharge.

2. iRobot Roomba i7+

The iRobot i7+ is a top model from iRobot’s flagship line, and it comes with the latest features. It's self-charging, self-navigating and the most crucial feature of all -- it has a self-emptying dustbin that eliminates one of the most important sources of maintenance for any robot vacuum.

The Roomba I7+ can make rooms more efficient maps using Imprint Smart Mapping. It also integrates with iRobot Home to schedule cleaning tasks, and it can control your robot via the app or via voice.

The i7+ is quicker and more agile in our tests than the eufy RoboVac G30. It also removed large pet hair pieces from any surface, including carpeting. Its main advantage over the eufy, is its self-emptying dustbin that eliminates a major cause of maintenance and reduces recurring costs.

We were also awestruck by the i7+'s compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant AI services. We used these services to instruct the robot to begin or stop cleaning sessions and also to move around the room and even vacuum a specific area. The iRobot Home App made it easy to connect the i7+ to these services. Once connected, we were able to give the i7+ voice commands, such as "Hey Alexa, vacuum the master bedroom." The iRobot Home app also provides options to manage the i7+'s settings and monitoring its performance.

3. Dyson Cyclone V10

This tiny Dyson model is an all-sports car that is amidst a sea of cordless vacuums that feel like minivans and buses. It has the power and features to replace a stand-up vacuum in most households, but it also fits in well next to the table for a coffee or shelves that you can spin around like the magic wand.

The V10 is powered with a 7-cell energy-dense Lithium-ion battery that can provide energy that lasts for 60 minutes. Its advanced whole-machine filter system captures allergens and expels cleaner air back into your home. Its specialized head uses stiff nylon bristles that penetrate deep into carpets, and then pick up large crumbs or fine dust. It has three suction modes to meet the task that is being completed. It is able to quickly change from handheld to floor vacuum and vice versa.

This model also has docks that charge to 100% in about 3.5 hours, and gives users an easy access to two attachments as well as a clip for a wand. This is a huge improvement over older Dysons, that require a long charge and are difficult to store.

The V10's main drawback is its limited running time. As CR's tests have shown, its claims to run up to 60 minutes are not true. This is an average, not an exceptional, time for a battery-powered cordless vac. It's enough time to sweep the average-sized home but not enough to reach every area. (A second time generally works). However, this model doesn't have its benefits: It's lighter and maneuverable than older cordless Dysons, and its vacuuming performance is noticeably better on carpets with low pile.

4. iRobot Roomba 694"

One of iRobot's most popular robot vacuums The 694 is a basic model that's an excellent option for those who don't want to spend too much on a best robot vacuum deals. It was able to remove the majority of types of debris and sizes during our tests, and frequently went over the same area several times to ensure an extensive clean. Its flat front end helps it to reach into corners and along the walls' edges and walls, which is a nice touch.

Its smart navigation system uses iAdapt technology to avoid obstacles and help you navigate your home. It's not equipped with the mapping capabilities of more advanced models, such as our top picks, i3+EVO and the j7+ Series. It is prone to getting stuck on cords for phones or furniture that is low and will often run out of power before returning to its base.

The Xiaomi Mi robot vacuum is superior to the Roomba 694 in all aspects because it has fewer parts that require regular cleaning, is fitted with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, has lower recurring costs, comes with more advanced automation capabilities and is more efficient in moving itself. It also has a bigger dustbin and is charged faster.

The eufy RoboVac X8 has a superior battery longevity than the Roomba 694. It also has physical boundaries strips and can be controlled with your smartphone's voice assistant. It also feels more sturdy and has a stronger motor, and works better on bare floors and carpets with low pile, while offering a wider range of features for automation.

5. Samsung Jet Bot AI+

Samsung is a household name in the field of home electronics. It's not a surprise, then, that they are also among the top producers of robot vacuums and mop. Jet Bot AI+ has an advanced onboard technology that allows to navigate and avoid obstacles.

The app provides plenty of options to personalize your robotic cleaner, such as virtual barriers, mopping water levels and behavior customization, docking frequency settings, and much more. The app is easy to navigate and use similar to other Samsung devices.

In our tests, the Jet Bot AI+ performed well on hard floors, and it cleaned up 86% of dog hair (on carpet). It didn't do very well in avoiding taller items such as socks or cords. This was disappointing. It's also a little more expensive than the other models we tried which could be a deal-breaker for certain shoppers.

The app lets you access the onboard camera of the smart intelligent vacuum cleaner. You can also create live streaming from the robot's cleaning area. This feature allows you to keep track of your pets or kids when you're away from home. The filter and the dustbin can be washed for the quick and easy cleaning. The Jet Bot AI+ comes with self-emptying clean stations, which helps to keep the robot's bin clear and maximizes suction power.

6. Black & Decker Robot Vacuum

Black and Decker robots have been developed specifically for flooring made of hard wood. The robots come with an extra-wide cleaning path, as well as dust bins that are 2 times larger than other models. This lets them clean the area for a longer period of time. They also come with two side sweepers for cleaning along edges and corners. The POWERSERIES Extreme model also comes with AutoSense technology, which can tell whether it's picking up dirt or debris on the surface and then automatically adjusts its power level. The vacuum also has an app that lets users to see a virtual map, control functions, and set schedules. You can also monitor the vacuum's battery status and then return it to its dock for charging at the push of a button. The app lets you customize the LED lights on the top of the vacuum so that you can tell where it is focused or if it has gotten stuck.

The application also allows you to steer the robot vacuum cleaner manually if needed. My living room rug, for example is darkly colored that could cause trouble for other robots. However the HRV 425BL kept moving across the border, but it didn't register it as a cliff. Also, the ability to program weekly cleaning schedules is a great time-saving convenience.