Removed bObsweep Bob Pro from Notable Mentions due to current availability. Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available. We may receive commissions from some links to products on this page. At the end of its life, a Roomba battery or the entire machine can be safely recycled through local electronics/battery recycling programs or through Roomba’s recycling partners in the U.S. and around the world. In time for the holiday season, retailers across the board have expanded their return policies, giving eligible purchases made between November to December 31 a return window until the end of January 2022.
The Roombas’ speed is also increased, which is possible in part because of the sensors to avoid bumping into obstacles too hard. Roombas are powered by a user-replaceable rechargeable battery; older models used NiMH batteries, while newer models use lithium-ion batteries, and a few models support both. First-generation models must be recharged from a wall power adapter, while all subsequent models have a self-charging homebase that the unit seeks out at the end of a cleaning session via infrared beacons. Roomba, the iconic robot vacuum from iRobot, is in some ways as ubiquitous a term as Kleenex.
Dark or black carpeting won’t throw it off, either, unlike other models that might think they’re a cliff. For homes with pet dander and shedded fur, a dual multisurface rubber brush allows for easy release of hair to avoid tangling, while a high-efficiency bissell crosswave cordless filter traps 99 percent of dander and other common allergens. A recharge and resume feature automatically activates after about 90 minutes of battery use. It comes loaded with filters and dust bags for the base, plus replacements for each.
Turn cleaning from something you do to something that happens around your life. This ends up in surprisingly good overall coverage, but you may find that some areas that trap the robot get lots of attention, and more open areas just get one quick pass. Once the J7+ completes the initial mapping setup of your home — which takes some effort and input from you — the robot takes care of the rest.
What makes the Groove great for pet owners is that it is super easy to remove the brush roll and clean it. You can also create virtual barriers—lines you don’t want the 930 to cross and ones you do. With a single swipe, the app tells the 930 to go over a certain area multiple times. This feature works really well with high-traffic locations in your home. Use Automations to connect to your smart devices and personalize your cleaning experience by scheduling your robot to clean when you leave the house. We sent them on a normal run of the house cleaning run as well as runs with handfuls of cat litter on the floor and carpeting.
Shark vacuums do sometimes get lost though, as documented in this hilarious TikTok video. This robot features the company’s smart mapping technology and sensors that are made to scan ahead at a rate of 25 times per second to detect obstacles in its path. This bundle comes with an extra edge-sweeping brush and a filter to keep up in homes with the most pet hair.
While the dream is to set your robot vacuum on a schedule and have it do all the floor cleaning for you, it’s just not the reality at the moment. Robot vacuums don’t clean as much dirt and debris as upright vacuums. “I think you’d still need a stick or upright vacuum for spots that the robot vac can’t reach,” Ferro said. I tested each robot vac’s cleaning abilities along with its extra features and app. You can find the details of how we tested, what else we recommend, how to shop for a robot vacuum, and more at the end of our guide.
Upright vacuums typically come with attachments that are useful for cleaning things like drapes or furniture, which robot vacs can’t handle. The main brush is between five and ten irobot vacuum cleaner inches long, located under the unit, and is made of a rubber-like material. The vacuum sucks debris into the main brush, which spins to feed the materials into the dustbin.
Google Assistant and Alexa compatibility let you start a cleaning session with just your voice, or simply use the iRobot Home App. When your area’s pollen count is high or during pet shedding season, the Roomba® 600 series robot vacuum can even suggest extra cleanings —to help keep your floors clean every day of the year. While this one isn’t exactly a Roomba, it’s certainly in the family and it pairs well with certain smart models from iRobot’s stable of vacuum robots. Meant for use on hardwood, tile, or stone floors, the M6 is perfect for cleaning spills, pet waste, and other messes.