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Finding the time and energy for household chores can be a real challenge in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. As fun as Mrs. Doubtfire makes vacuuming look, the task often falls to the bottom of our ever-growing to-do lists. Enter the world of robot vacuums — a brilliant fusion of technology and convenience that can revolutionize how you clean.
This guide will discuss why investing in a robot vacuum will liberate you from mundane cleaning tasks and breathe new life into your daily routine. Picture this: effortlessly maintaining a sparkling clean-living space while focusing on the things that truly matter to you. From busy professionals to time-strapped parents, we’ll show you how robot vacuums can become your trusty cleaning sidekick, allowing you to reclaim your precious time and enjoy a spotless home without lifting a finger.
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Summary of the best robot vacuums
Best overall: iRobot Roomba j7+
Runner up: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX Robot Vacuum
Also consider: Lefant M210 Robot Vacuum
Best for pets: Robrock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best duo: ECOVACS Deebot N20 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop
Sleeper pick: Shark RV1001AEC IQ Robot Self-Empty XL Robot Vacuum
Best robot vacuums explained
Best overall: iRobot Roomba j7+
Specs
- Surface recommendation: Hard floor
- Special feature: Bag
- Product dimensions: 13.3L x 13.3W x 3.4H centimetres
- Controller type: App and voice control
- Included components: Brush
- Battery life: 60 days
- Cleaning path width: 18 centimetres
Why buy: With its advanced features and cutting-edge technology, there are several reasons to consider the Roomba j7+. Its exceptional cleaning ensures thorough and efficient results on various surfaces. The robot’s PrecisionVision Navigation system enables it to detect and avoid obstacles. Additionally, the Roomba j7+ boasts a self-emptying base, allowing for extended cleaning sessions without manual intervention. Notably, this model’s intelligent mapping and selective room cleaning capabilities make it a standout performer, delivering a personalized and targeted approach to cleaning.
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Price: $1,000
Where to buy: Amazon | Best Buy
Runner up: eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX Robot Vacuum
Specs
- Surface recommendation: Hard floor
- Special feature: BoostIQ, powerful performance
- Product dimensions: 32.5L x 32.5W x 7.3H centimetres
- Controller type: Remote control
- Included components: Instruction guide, dusting brush, filter, cable tie, remote control, charging adapter, side brush
- Filter type: Cartridge
- Battery life: 100 minutes
Why buy: The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S MAX Robot Vacuum is a great choice for those seeking a combination of affordability and performance. With its powerful suction and slim design, this robot vacuum efficiently cleans carpets and hard floors. The BoostIQ technology automatically increases suction power when needed, ensuring thorough cleaning of various surfaces. Moreover, the large dustbin capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, while the advanced drop-sensing technology prevents falls and collisions. The RoboVac 11S MAX is also super quiet during operation, allowing undisturbed cleaning sessions.
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Price: $230
Where to buy: Amazon
Also consider: Lefant M210 Robot Vacuum
Specs
- Filter type: Cartridge
- Surface recommendation: Hard floor, wood, tile, carpet
- Power source: Battery-powered
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Item weight: 3.03 kilograms
- Capacity: 500 cubic centimetres
- Wattage: 120 watts
Why buy: If you’re searching for an affordable and efficient robot vacuum, the Lefant Robot Vacuum deserves your attention. Its powerful suction capability ensures thorough dirt and debris removal on carpets and hard floors. The Lefant Robot Vacuum is equipped with intelligent sensors, enabling it to navigate around furniture and avoid obstacles. Moreover, its slim design makes it effortlessly access hard-to-reach areas like under furniture or along baseboards. Additionally, the vacuum’s versatile cleaning modes, such as spot cleaning and edge cleaning, provide targeted and efficient cleaning solutions for specific areas.
Price: $270
Where to buy: Amazon
Best for pets: Robrock S7 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop
Specs
- Surface recommendation: Carpet, hard floor, wood
- Product dimensions: 35.6L x 35.6W x 10.2H centimetres
- Controller type: App and voice control
- Included components: Instruction guide, mop pad, cable tie, battery, side brush
- Filter type: Washable
- Battery life: 180 minutes
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Why buy: With its exceptional cleaning capabilities, this robot vacuum offers multiple reasons to consider it for your home. The S7 features a powerful suction system that removes dirt, dust, and pet hair from various floor types. What sets it apart is the innovative VibraRise technology, which automatically lifts the mop when transitioning from carpets to hard floors, ensuring a seamless and efficient cleaning experience. The advanced navigation and mapping system allows for precise cleaning, while the ability to create virtual boundaries provides customizable control over cleaning areas.
Price: $1,200
Where to buy: Amazon | Roborock
Best duo: ECOVACS Deebot N20 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop
Specs
- Surface recommendation: Hard floor, carpet
- Controller type: Hand control
- Included components: Instruction guide, collection bag, mop pad, dusting brush, filter, cable tie, side brush
- Filter type: Cartridge
- Battery life: 170 minutes
- Battery cell composition: Lithium-ion
Why buy: This robot vacuum offers a multitude of reasons to consider it for your home. With its advanced laser mapping and navigation system, the N20 effortlessly maneuvers obstacles and efficiently covers every inch of your space. The simultaneous vacuuming and mopping capabilities make it a versatile cleaning tool, ensuring thorough dirt removal and sparkling floors.
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The N20 also has obstacle detection and avoidance technology, preventing collisions and protecting furniture. With the ability to create boundaries and customize cleaning schedules via the app, this robot vacuum provides convenient control and flexibility.
Price: $750
Where to buy: Amazon
Sleeper pick: Shark RV1001AEC IQ Robot Self-Empty XL Robot Vacuum
Specs
- Surface recommendation: Indoor
- Special feature: Vacuum R101AE with self-empty base, Wi-Fi and home mapping
- Product dimensions: 32.8L x 32W x 8.9H centimetres
- Controller type: App and voice control
- Filter type: Non-washable filter
- Battery life: 90 minutes
Why buy: This robot vacuum offers several reasons to consider it for your home. With its powerful suction and self-cleaning brush roll, the Shark RV1001AEC effectively captures dirt, dust, and pet hair from various surfaces. The self-emptying base sets it apart, allowing for weeks of hands-free cleaning without manual emptying.
The advanced mapping and navigation technology ensure efficient coverage and precise cleaning, while the SharkClean app provides convenient control and scheduling options. With its XL dust cup capacity, long battery life, and automatic return to the base for recharging, the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL offers a hassle-free and efficient cleaning experience.
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Price: $700
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart
What to know about buying a robot vacuum
Are you considering buying a robot vacuum? Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular in many households with their ability to automate and streamline the cleaning process. However, before purchasing, it’s essential to understand the key factors that can impact your overall satisfaction with a robot vacuum. Being well-informed can help you choose the perfect robot vacuum that meets your needs and preferences, from cleaning performance and navigation capabilities to intelligent features and maintenance requirements.
Cleaning performance: Look for a robot vacuum with strong suction power and effective brush roll or cleaning mechanisms to ensure it can handle your specific cleaning needs, whether it’s carpets, hard floors, or pet hair.
Navigation and mapping: Advanced robot vacuums use mapping technology to efficiently navigate your home efficiently, ensuring thorough coverage and avoiding obstacles. Look for models with laser mapping or camera-based navigation for optimal performance.
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Battery life and charging: Check the battery life of the robot vacuum and how long it takes to recharge. Longer battery life is essential for larger spaces, while quick charging ensures minimal downtime between cleaning sessions.
Dustbin capacity: Consider the size of the dustbin or dirt compartment. Larger capacities mean less frequent emptying, particularly important for households with pets or more considerable debris accumulation.
Smart features and connectivity: Some robot vacuums offer Wi-Fi connectivity and companion apps, allowing you to remotely control and schedule cleaning sessions. Check if the vacuum is compatible with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant for added convenience.
Noise levels: Look for robot vacuums that operate quietly, especially if you have young children or pets or prefer a quieter environment during cleaning.
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