“It’s about time they invented a robot that will clean the house”, my grandma used to say. She also asked for a self-driving car. That’s still a way off, but she’s had her first wish granted.
Robotic vacuum cleaners are skyrocketing in popularity. Why wouldn’t they be? They’re perfect for those of us who find cleaning tedious (read: every person on the planet). They’re also a great benefit for anyone with mobility issues.
But, not all robotic vacuum cleaners are the same.
Thanks to technological advancements, certain models are smarter and more efficient than others. This makes them a worthy investment even for professionals. For starters, they can optimize themselves to suit hardwood floors, tiles and carpets. The right machine will leave your home sparkling clean.
Another positive is that the prices of robot cleaners have continued to take a dramatic fall. No longer an expensive investment, you can now bag yourself a quality robot vacuum for under $200.
Still you will want to make sure the robot cleaner you buy meets your cleaning requirements.
Curious about the best robot vacuums? I’ve found the best to suit any budget.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Strong Suction, for Low-pile Carpet, Hard floor, Wi-Fi Connected
4 used from $175.48
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- Smart App Controls: Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status & receive error alerts.
- 4 Cleaning Modes: Smart motion guided auto-clean mode, plus single room & spot mode for targeted cleaning, edge mode for hard-to-clean edges.
- 3 Stage Cleaning System: High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush & wide reach side brushes.
- Safety Sensor Protection: Comprehensive array of intelligent anti-drop & anti-collision sensors, plus durable protective bumpers.
Ecovacs are the worldwide industry-leading brand for robot vacuum cleaners. The Deebot N79 is their latest model, and it’s impressing everyone. From ordinary people to professional cleaners, . It’s feature-packed, offering 3x specialized cleaning settings. This, on top of its smart auto-clean, which includes the coveted Edge Mode. Edge Mode allows the robot to reach around even the sharpest corners and furniture edges.
Don’t worry about damages, either. There’s a full anti-collision safeguard and bumpers, keeping your delicate possessions safe. I’m most impressed by the air filter. The machine collects even the smallest airborne particles as it cleans. They don’t have the chance to fall to the floor and settle. This is fantastic if you’re a pet owner, or if anyone with allergies lives in your home.
Operating the Deepot is simple. You use a basic app which allows you to schedule cleans, select the cleaning mode, and track charge levels. All it requires is a basic WiFi connection and a smartphone (Apple or Android). No fancy accessories necessary. Nice!
This robot cleaner packs a powerful punch. With more than 1.5 hours of 1,000-900 PA suction power, this cleaner will have no trouble cleaning even a large home. You wouldn’t think something so powerful could be so quiet, but it is. Listening to it gently humming away is almost relaxing. It’s nothing at all like the noisy traditional vacuums. A huge benefit.
Given the affordable price, this isn’t the most heavy-duty machine. It’s not going to deep clean thick surfaces, such as a dense rug. It’s better suited for smooth surfaces, and light, low-pile carpeting. Another weakness is that it struggles in homes with staircases. Don’t worry! It will stop at the edge. But, mine had problems recognizing the situation. It would often produce an error message, which can be a little frustrating.
It thrilled me to find such a good quality, reliable and powerful robot cleaner for a fraction of the price.
Specifications:
- Smart App Control – compatible with Apple & Android
- 4 x Cleaning Modes. Auto-clean mode, spot mode and edge mode for tight corners and sharp edges.
- Three Stage Cleaning System. High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush and wide reach side brushes.
- Safety Sensor Protection – anti-drop & anti-collision sensors and protective bumpers.
- 1-Year Warranty – 100% money-back guarantee.
- Weight 6.7 pounds.
- Dimensions 13 x 13 x 3.1 inches.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Strong Suction, for Low-pile Carpet,...
- Smart App Controls: Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status & receive error alerts.
- 4 Cleaning Modes: Smart motion guided auto-clean mode, plus single room & spot mode for targeted cleaning, edge mode for hard-to-clean edges.
- Smart App Controls: Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status & receive error alerts.
- 4 Cleaning Modes: Smart motion guided auto-clean mode, plus single room & spot mode for targeted cleaning, edge mode for hard-to-clean edges.
- 3 Stage Cleaning System: High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush & wide reach side brushes.
- Safety Sensor Protection: Comprehensive array of intelligent anti-drop & anti-collision sensors, plus durable protective bumpers.
- 1-Year Warranty, plus accessories: 100% money-back guarantee. Includes (1) remote control, (1) main brush, (4) side brushes, (1) docking station & fantastic customer support!
iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity
8 used from $247.49
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- Clean and schedule from anywhere with the iRobot HOME App; compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant
- Patented 3-Stage Cleaning System and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes pick up everything from small particles to large debris
- Dirt Detect sensors alert Roomba to work harder on concentrated areas of dirt, such as high-traffic zones of your home
- Full suite of intelligent sensors guide the robot under and around furniture to help thoroughly clean your floors. Filters captures fine dust and debris
The Roomba 690 is all about maximising convenience. This machine has reduced my cleaning needs from every week to around once a month. How, you may ask?
This is a higher-spec model. It has high-suction power with dedicated carpet and floor cleaning modes. It maps out the space with accuracy, and selects the most optimal route for covering the whole of the room.
What makes the 690 special is the simultaneous dual-brush system. One brush will loosen surface dirt, and then the other will pick it up. Brilliant design. I’ve found this makes it more efficient on a greater variety of surfaces than many of its competitors. It can cope with everything, from light dust particles, to hair, and even larger debris.
The 690 uses a dirt detect-system. What this does is prompt it to clean dirtier places, like entrances, more thoroughly. It’s very useful.
The cleaner is small enough to slide underneath your couch. This allows it to get the accumulated dust you struggle to reach. Another plus is the 27-degree cleaning angle, which lets the vacuum tilt so it can clean wall skirting.
To operate the 690, you use the iRobot Home App, which connets to your iPhone. It’s simple, but it does include online support if you run into errors. For the more gadget-minded, it can be voice activated. Pair it with other smart devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa, for extra ease of use.
One downside is that I found removing and emptying the dustbin kinda gimmicky. But hey, maybe that’s just me.
Do you need an industry-standard cleaner to deal with super tough surfaces? If so, I recommend you consider alternatives before buying the 690. You may not get the power that you need with it.
If not, give it a look. It’s a smart and stylish machine perfect for normal home cleaning. All in all this is a great machine that will be a lifesaver if you’re always short on time.
Specifications:
- Easy to use iRobot HOME App compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant.
- Patented 3-Stage Cleaning System and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes.
- Accurate Dirt Detect sensors.
- Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head. Automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets and hard floors.
- Weight 7.8 lbs.
- Dimensions 13 x 13 x 3.6 inches.
- Note: Lithium Polymer batteries required.
iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi Connectivity
- Clean and schedule from anywhere with the iRobot HOME App; compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant
- Patented 3-Stage Cleaning System and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes pick up everything from small particles to large debris
- Clean and schedule from anywhere with the iRobot HOME App; compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant
- Patented 3-Stage Cleaning System and Dual Multi-Surface Brushes pick up everything from small particles to large debris
- Dirt Detect sensors alert Roomba to work harder on concentrated areas of dirt, such as high-traffic zones of your home
- Full suite of intelligent sensors guide the robot under and around furniture to help thoroughly clean your floors. Filters captures fine dust and debris
- Auto-Adjust Cleaning Head automatically adapts its height to effectively clean carpets and hard floors
ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Max Power Suction, Alexa Connectivity, App Controls, Self-Charging for Hard Surface Floors &...
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- Alexa & Smart App Controls: Use Alexa voice commands to direct cleaning. Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status, & receive error alerts
- 3-Stage Cleaning System: High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush & wide reach side brushes guided by intelligent navigation system, plus 4 specialized cleaning modes
- 1.7 Hours Battery Life: Lithium battery supports up to 100+ minutes of quiet cleaning, a 1000 pa power max cleaning mode & air filtration
The Deepot N79S is the popular successor to the feature packed N79 I reviewed earlier. This robotic vacuum is especially designed for hardwood floors and low pile carpets. There are 4 cleaning modes. These include accelerated suction, so you can clean up those stubborn spots with ease. You can even set your machine to vacuum daily. You go to work, and come home from a long, hard day to a vacuumed home. That’ll make your days a little easier.
You can expect to get the same fantastic attributes of most Ecovacs product. The vacuum cleaner has several in-built sensors. These give it the intelligence to avoid your precious furniture.
It has a strong build, with heavy-duty wheels. Miraculously, these won’t leave a single mark on even delicate wooden floors.
Finally, the air-filtration system. This is indispensable, especially if your home tends to harbor a lot of dust, or you’re a pet owner.
So what sets the N79S apart, and perhaps more importantly, why should you choose it over the N79? Well if you’re a techy, it offers new voice activation that is compatible with Amazon Echo, Dot and Tap. You’ll have lots of fun telling your vacuum to clean while you handle other chores . .. or put your feet up and relax (why not, right?).
The other benefit is the max suction power mode, which I mentioned earlier. Sometimes robotic cleaners get criticized for not being powerful enough, especially on carpets. This makes the N79S more effective if you have challenging surfaces.
On the downside, the N79S is a bit louder and heavier than its predecessor. But, even these flaws come with silver linings. The weight does give the vacuum extra stability while moving around your home. The sound won’t be more than 70 decibels, which beats most traditional vacuum cleaners.
All in all, this is an exceptional product.
Tip: This vacuum sells so fast that it’s often out of stock, but I bagged mine at a reduced price on Amazon.
Specifications:
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Echo, Dot & Smart App Controls
- Customize, schedule & track cleaning sessions with error alerts
- 3-Stage Cleaning System. Vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush and wide reach side brushes, 4 x specialized cleaning modes
- Smart navigation system
- 1.7 Hours Battery Life with up to 100+ minutes cleaning with ‘power max’ cleaning mode
- Air filtration system
- Anti-Collision & Anti-Drop Sensor Protection
- 1-Year Warranty
- Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 inches
- Weight: 9.7 lbs
ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robot Vacuum Cleaner with Max Power Suction, Alexa Connectivity,...
- Alexa & Smart App Controls: Use Alexa voice commands to direct cleaning. Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status, & receive error alerts
- 3-Stage Cleaning System: High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush & wide reach side brushes guided by intelligent navigation system, plus 4 specialized cleaning modes
- Alexa & Smart App Controls: Use Alexa voice commands to direct cleaning. Use the ECOVACS App to customize, schedule & monitor cleaning sessions, accessory status, & receive error alerts
- 3-Stage Cleaning System: High-efficiency vacuum suction, deep reach helix main brush & wide reach side brushes guided by intelligent navigation system, plus 4 specialized cleaning modes
- 1.7 Hours Battery Life: Lithium battery supports up to 100+ minutes of quiet cleaning, a 1000 pa power max cleaning mode & air filtration
- Anti-Collision & Anti-Drop Sensor Protection: Comprehensive, intelligent sensor safety technology plus soft, durable protective bumpers
- 1-Year Warranty, plus Accessories: Includes (1) remote control, (1) main brush, (2) side brushes, (1) docking station & fantastic customer support
iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot + 2 Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers (With Batteries) + Extra Side Brush +...
1 used from $849.00
Free shipping
Amazon.com
- iRobot HOME App Lets you Clean, Schedule & Set Custom Cleaning Preferences from your Smartphone
- AeroForce Cleaning System with Carpet Boost Automatically Provides up to 10x the Air Power on Carpets and Rugs
- iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization Enables Roomba to Navigate and Clean an Entire Level of your Home
- Automatically Recharges and Resumes Cleaning to Complete the Entire Job | Tangle-free Extractors Prevent Hair and Debris Jams
The Roomba 980 is iRobot’s flagship vacuum cleaner, with a price to match. But is it worth paying extra? My verdict is that if you feel like splashing the cash, this robotic vacuum cleaner is worth every penny.
The 980 comes with the tech advancements that you expect from a top-of-the-line machine. More than any other product I’ve tested, this vacuum will make you feel like you’ve stepped into the future. It not only takes the task of vacuuming off your hands, it makes you feel like you’re living with the Jetsons as it does it.
This model offers a lot more power than the 690, ideal if you have a large home with many types of rooms and floors. Like the more affordable version, the 980 is slim enough to slide under chairs and couches.
There’s a built-in camera that maps your surfaces. The machine knows exactly where it is at all times. Best of all, it will respond to commands without losing a sense of which parts of the floor are still dirty.
Another great feature is the automatic recharging. If it runs out of juice, the 980 will pause and recharge, before continuing cleaning where it left off. You won’t have to do a thing!
There’s also a boost mode, designed for carpets. When it comes across a carper, the mode is self-activated.
Think voice-activation technology is neat? Good, because like the 690, the 980 features it, from Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Get your vacuuming going even from the other side of the house with a simple verbal command. Cool stuff.
The navigation technology is flawless. Have a trouble area (or three) that seems to hate coming clean? You can request the machine go over it more than once, making sure it’s spotless.
Here’s the deal: If you can afford it, I recommend the 980 over the 690. The extra features will make your cleaning so much easier that there’s no doubt they’re worth it. But, if simple is your thing, go with the lesser model. You can’t go wrong with either.
Specifications:
- AeroForce smart cleaning system with carpet boost mode
- Clean, Schedule & Set Custom Cleaning Preferences from your Apple or Android Smartphones
- iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization
- Automatically Recharges and Resumes Cleaning
- Dimensions: 21.1 x 17.1 x 3 inches
- Weight: 13.32 pounds
iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot + 2 Dual Mode Virtual Wall...
- iRobot HOME App Lets you Clean, Schedule & Set Custom Cleaning Preferences from your Smartphone
- AeroForce Cleaning System with Carpet Boost Automatically Provides up to 10x the Air Power on Carpets and Rugs
- iRobot HOME App Lets you Clean, Schedule & Set Custom Cleaning Preferences from your Smartphone
- AeroForce Cleaning System with Carpet Boost Automatically Provides up to 10x the Air Power on Carpets and Rugs
- iAdapt 2.0 Navigation with Visual Localization Enables Roomba to Navigate and Clean an Entire Level of your Home
- Automatically Recharges and Resumes Cleaning to Complete the Entire Job | Tangle-free Extractors Prevent Hair and Debris Jams
- Includes: 2 Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier (Batteries Included), High Efficiency Filter, 2 Extra Side Brushes, Dock Station and Manuals
ILIFE A4 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Titanium Gray
1 used from $140.91
Amazon.com
- 3-step cleaning system brings a deeper clean on carpet.
- Advanced powerful motor with Max mode lets A4 pick up more dirt effortlessly.
- Automatically docks and recharges, convenient programable schedue.
- Motorized low profile body with tangle free sensors avoids stuck or drop off.
- Up to 120mins working time delivered by high capacity battery.
Here is another fabulous mid-range robot cleaner that does exactly what it says on the tin. The great thing about this machine is that it’s designed with carpets in mind. It offers a powerful motor with a max mode to pick up even the most persistent dust and hairs. It runs for up to 2 hours, superb for a machine that doesn’t cost the earth.
I’ve had this machine for a few years now and the battery has lasted without a hitch. Like some of the other models I reviewed, it self-charges and docks. It also offers a programmable schedule. You can set it and forget it . . . perfect for those unexpected visits from your neighbor or the in-laws!
What about size? This vacuum cleaner is small enough to go under your bed and couch. It can swerve underneath and around the legs of tables and chairs. It’s handy, and gives you the comfort of knowing that even stray crumbs are being sucked up. It’s also fast and quiet, helping to keep your home a calm space.
As a brand, ILIFE are long established in the robot vacuum world. They’ve been manufacturing for over a decade, so you get great customer service in case of any issue.
Look . . .
I live in a house with two kids, a dog, and a cat running around. There’s never a moment without dirt, food scraps, or dust gathering in balls under the furniture. This vacuum cleaner handled it all.
There’s only been one issue: when it somehow ran in my kid’s room. It doesn’t like stray LEGO’s (neither do my feet!). The LEGO’s got (briefly) lodged in the machine. They did go through.
While the machine itself is quiet, there is one potential sound-related downside. It’s so speedy that when it bumps into something or turns sharply it can be loud. On the plus side, it’s equipped with safeguards that will protect your belongings. Still, the sudden sound might alarm anyone not used to it. There’s an easy workaround, though: keep the floor space as clear as possible. If you already live in an open-space home, you won’t have a thing to worry about.
Specifications:
- 3-step cleaning system, designed for carpets as well as floors.
- Advanced powerful motor with Max mode.
- Automatically docks and recharges, convenient programable schedule.
- Motorized low profile body with tangle free sensors.
- Up to 120mins working time delivered by high capacity battery
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 12.2 x 3 inches
- Weight: 4.9lbs
ILIFE A4 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, Titanium Gray
- 3-step cleaning system brings a deeper clean on carpet.
- Advanced powerful motor with Max mode lets A4 pick up more dirt effortlessly.
- Automatically docks and recharges, convenient programable schedue.
- Motorized low profile body with tangle free sensors avoids stuck or drop off.
- 3-step cleaning system brings a deeper clean on carpet.
- Advanced powerful motor with Max mode lets A4 pick up more dirt effortlessly.
- Automatically docks and recharges, convenient programable schedue.
- Motorized low profile body with tangle free sensors avoids stuck or drop off.
- Up to 120mins working time delivered by high capacity battery.
Robot Vacuum Comparison Chart
$194.98
$299.98
$318.74
$374.99
$249.98
$899.00
$999.00
$200.00
$459.00
