Which robotic vacuum is best?
Robotic vacuums are designed to clean a space as thoroughly as possible. Once you activate a robotic vacuum, it starts cleaning instantly. After the robotic vacuum is done, it returns to its charging station.
Our top pick, eufy L60 Robot Vacuum, includes smart features and is user-friendly.
What to know before you buy a robotic vacuum
Floor type
Robotic vacuums generally perform great on all types of surfaces. If you have linoleum or tile floors, however, tiny surface gaps sometimes interrupt a robotic vacuum while it’s cleaning. Meanwhile, low-end robotic vacuums rarely work on low-pile carpet. Some may also struggle going from hardwood floor to high-pile carpet.
Home or office layout
Sometimes, large lips between rooms help hide seams between two types of surfaces, but they may also cause a robotic vacuum to stop working. To manage this issue, purchase a robotic vacuum that can seamlessly move from one room to the next, regardless of surface or bumps.
Battery life
Top-of-the-line robotic vacuums may clean up to two hours on a single charge. A large battery usually indicates a robotic vacuum can clean a spacious home or office on a single charge.
Surface debris
If you regularly clean up pet hair, kids’ spills and assorted surface debris, choose a heavy-duty robotic vacuum designed to help you instantly handle these issues.
What to look for in a quality robotic vacuum
Mobile app
Certain robotic vacuums work in conjunction with a mobile app. That way, you can download an app onto your smartphone or tablet and use it to control your robotic vacuum from any location at any time.
Voice control
If you own an Amazon Echo or other smart speaker, you may use be able to use your speaker to control your robotic vacuum with your voice.
Smart sensors
Some robotic vacuums include smart sensors to navigate carpets and floors and adapt to furniture and other potential obstacles.
Drop sensing
Thanks to a robotic vacuum that includes drop sensing technology, you can reduce the risk that your vacuum will fall down stairs or off ledges.
How much you can expect to spend on a robotic vacuum
Set a budget before you shop for a robotic vacuum. Robotic vacuum prices range from $200-$1,000. Basic robotic vacuums are usually priced at $200-$500. These vacuums tend to be simple to use and provide excellent choices in apartments, condos and other compact spaces.
Middle-of-the-pack robotic vacuums are typically priced at $500-$750. These vacuums are intended for use on a variety of surfaces and run for one hour or longer on a single charge.
High-end robotic vacuums are priced up to $1,000. These vacuums commonly offer a large dust bin, a self-cleaning brush roll, an anti-scratch tempered glass cover and other premium features.
Other important details
The ideal robotic vacuum varies based on the size of your space. Some robotic vacuums can clean up to 3,000 square feet at once. Additionally, if your home has a lot of nooks and crannies, you’ll want to look for a vacuum that can operate in tight spaces.
Robotic vacuums FAQ
Can you use a robotic vacuum at the same time your pet is home?
A. It depends on your pet. To find out if your pet is comfortable with a robotic vacuum, run the device and watch his or her reaction to it. If you believe your pet might attack your robotic vacuum or fears it, err on the side of caution by running the device when your pet is outside.
Can you program a robotic vacuum to run on its own at a set time each day?
A. Some robotic vacuums can be programmed and allow you to set up a regular cleaning schedule. Once you set up your cleaning schedule, your robotic vacuum will start to clean your space based on your specifications. You can also adjust your robotic vacuum cleaning schedule at your convenience.
If you buy a robotic vacuum, will you ever need to vacuum again?
A. A robotic vacuum may provide a viable substitute to standard vacuuming. If you purchase a quality robotic vacuum, you may significantly cut down on the time it takes to clean your home or office space. However, robotic vacuums can’t go up and down stairs, so you’ll still have to pull out your regular vacuum occasionally.
What’s the best robotic vacuum to buy?
Top robotic vacuum
What you need to know: This top vacuum does a very good job picking up hair with its specialized hair detangling technology.
What you’ll love: The self-empty dock has a blade that cuts the hair as it’s sucked up into the dustbin. It uses laser-based mapping to find its way around your home and syncs with an accompanying app on your phone. It has impressive suction power, offering four levels of suction up to 5,000 Pa of power, which is extremely good for a robot vacuum.
What you should consider: It’s a bit loud, and it can get stuck on higher-pile rugs.
Top robotic vacuum for the money
eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim), Robot Vacuum Cleaner
What you need to know: This budget-friendly robotic vacuum features an ultra-thin design, spacious dust bin and other outstanding features.
What you’ll love: It delivers up to 100 minutes of suction on a single charge and operates quietly in comparison to similar models. It works great to clean up pet hair.
What you should consider: Sometimes it fails to detect potential obstacles.
Worth checking out
iRobot Roomba s9+ Self Emptying Robot Vacuum
What you need to know: This robotic vacuum works really well on hardwood floors and can pick up all types of debris.
What you’ll love: It can run for over an hour and a half on a single charge. It’s really good at getting debris in corners. It also does a good job transitioning from hard floors to carpet.
What you should consider: It can sometimes scatter heavier debris when vacuuming hardwood floors.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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