Choose the Best Robot Vacuum 2021 – (Download our decision tool)
After being stuck inside for most of 2020, you have probably noticed more dirt and dust on your floors and living spaces. Setting up time to clean weekly, in addition to working or watching the kids can be a chore. But even more now we spend more time at home, you may be looking for help from the best robot vacuum out there to keep things clean and dirt free without additional work.
Many like you are turning to the latest technology and robot vacuums, and robot mops, to help with the chores. There are tons of options in the space, so how do you choose? We compiled the top brands and choices for many scenarios to help you choose the best robot vacuum for your family. We included a decision tool you can download to help you decide which brand is right for you.
Contents:
What are the top brands of robot vacuums?
The main brands in the space are the ones you commonly see: Roomba and Shark. But there are a list of others, and smaller competitors and classic names, entering the space with their latest models. A few names we consistently come across in the space are below so you can familiarize yourself with these brands.
- Roomba by iRobot
- Electrolux
- Shark
- Bissell
- Neato
- Samsung
- eufy
- Braava
- Ecovacs
- Dyson
History of robot vacuums
Knowing a bit of history of the different vacuums is fun and helpful as you make your decision. An extensive history is available on Bestvacuumresource.com and has been verified by other websites as well.
- Electrolux
James Dizon of Electrolux gets credit for the first autonomous vacuum design back in 1996. The first “robot” vacuum was the Trilobite. - Roomba by iRobot
In 2002, the Roomba was born from iRobot. Today it is one of the most well known brands in the robot vacuum space. Almost the Kleenex of the tissue industry
Features to look for in a top robot vacuum
There are tons of options in the space of autonomous vacuum cleaners. What features are available and what should you consider when purchasing your vacuum model?
Type of Floor
Maybe you just have hardwood, or all carpet, or a combination of both. Some choices will fare better on certain surfaces. If you have a combination, know which vacuums can sense this difference or can drive over a high seam. Otherwise, you may find yourself saving your robot when it is stuck on a high carpet difference!
Room Mapping
How will the robot know where to go, and not go? Many vacuums offer room mapping. This room mapping can be done automatically by the robot after a mapping session or via a phone app. Some even allow for a virtual wall to be set up, in case there are specific areas you would prefer the machine to not venture into. Know how you want the robot to operate so you can choose what your mapping options should be.
Disposal and Bin Size
Have the time to constantly empty the bin? If you have little dirt and just want the occasional help, you may opt for a vacuum where you empty the bin yourself. For those with more dirt or pet hair, an automated station where the robot self empties may be more ideal.
Type of clean: pet hair, dirt etc
Pet hair is one of the biggest reasons to have automated cleaning and the help of a automated vacuum. Depending on the type of pet hair, or even just the daily dirt and dust from your home, make this a decision factor in choosing your robot vacuum.
Budget & Price
Robot vacuums can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. How you invest your money will depend on the features you need. Great brands don’t have to cost a fortune, but may offer more options to make sure you get the right one for your family.
Additional features
The top robot vacuums offer mopping combined with a vacuum. There are even separate mop vacuums available. Some are Wi-fi enabled or equipped with Alexa or Google. Some show where/what has been cleaned, schedules,
How to choose a robot vacuum
The choices can make anyone’s head spin. We put together a simple decision matrix so you can decide what features are must haves, what are nice to have so you can narrow the already overcrowded field.
Here are a few highlights depending on your needs of some of the top, best robot vacuums.
Best overall robot vacuum brands and choices
Consistently rated as a top brand among PC Mags, CNet, NY Times and more, the iRobot Roomba is a leader of the pack for many reasons. There are some basics to know about the iRobot series so you can make informed decisions.
The main categories for Roomba to know are the series and categories. There is the high end S7 series, the mid range i7 and i3, then the lower end 600 series. Over the years there have been other series like the eSeries, 800 and 900. Currently, their website has these main series for the S, i and 600. Their website has a great comparison page to check out and compare. The biggest difference we see is in suction power, the S series has by far the most and the 600 series the least. But all are powerful enough for your daily routines. The S series and i7 has more customizations available and the S series has an anti-allergen feature for those with pets or allergies.
iRobot Roomba 614
Why? According to Wirecutter on NY Times, it is reliable, repairable, and good on rugs. It is also budget priced at $200 from Walmart, Amazon and Best Buy.
iRobot Roomba 675
Also on the Wirecuter site, this has all the features of the 614 but with Wifi Connectivity and smart home connections to Alexa and Google for even more control.
iRobot S9
The top line Roomba of the moment. This has everything: self emptying capabilities, sensing, voice control and the works. Starting at $1500, its the most expensive Roomba on the market.
Other great brands include Shark, Samsung, Ecovacs and more. Read on for ideas on specific robots to meet unique needs and situations. The iRobot isn’t the only game out there, but it is the most well known
Best robot vacuum for tile or hardwood floors
According to Mashable, the best tile floor robot vacuums are the iRobot Roomba i7+, the Coredy Robot vacuum and the Roborock S6 Pure Robot Vacuum and Mop. The Roomba is featured for the ease of maintenance and use, the Coredy is best for budget options and the Roborock is a pick for those with pet hair concerns.
Best cheap, budget robot vacuum
If budget is a concern and you really don’t have many particular needs or concerns for features like pet hair, LIDAR mapping, connecting to Smart Home devices, then here are a few low frills and low cost options that will still make cleaning your home easy.
Ecovacs Deebot N79S – $249.99
Most features for the price according to PC Mag
Eufy RoboVac 11s – $219.99
Most compact design according to PC Mag
Dser RoboGeek 23T – $189.99
Strongest Suction Power per PC Mag
Best combination robot vacuum and mop
The Ecovacs N8 is a stellar all-in robot vacuum, mop and self emptying station. The price point is attractive too at just under $700 with room mapping and more. If you are looking for just a straight mop option, then the SpinWave by Bissell is a great low budget option at under $300.
Ecovacs N8 Robot Vacuum, Mop and Emptying Station
Advanced Laser Mapping
Auto Empty Station (Almost a month without emptying!)
Scheduled Cleaning
Strong 2300Pa suction
OZMO™ Mopping system
Best robot vacuum with self emptying station
Tired of emptying your vacuum? Or just don’t want the daily or bi-weekly hassle? A self-emptying station can be the way to go! According to Mashable, these are some of the top robot vacuums with a self emptying station to check out.
- iRobot Roomba S9 (Best Overall)
- iRobot Roomba i3+ (Pet hair)
- Shark iQ – Empty XL (Easy of use)
Best robot vacuum for pet hair
Try searching for the best robot vac for your furry friends and you’ll get 34 million results on Google and lots of ads! We trust PC Mag for these ratings on pet hair and tackling the job.
Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry Robotic Vacuum – $249.99 Amazon
iRobot Roomba s9+ (Owners with allergies) – $899.99 Amazon
Eufy RoboVac G30 (Best for noise sensitive pets) – $319.99 Amazon
Final thoughts on robot vacuums and robot mops. A decision matrix
Choosing a robot vacuum can be a daunting decision. We hope this guide and article helped with your decision process. If you need more help, or like to put all your thoughts on paper, we created this decision matrix to help! Check out our other home cleaning ideas, tips and tricks! Also, if you need a rug, try the best washable rug out there, see our review and links to buy.
