When robot vacuums first hit the market this was a feature that consumers could only dream of, but today it’s an actual reality. Not only are there multiple models that empty their dustbins on their own when docked, but there are several we’ve reviewed in this guide alone. Some great options with this feature include the iRobot Roomba s9+, the Roomba i7+, and the Shark IQ Robot XL. This model has a simple yet somewhat futuristic look to it, which is appreciated.
We’re currently testing the Roborock Q5, the replacement for the discontinued Roborock S4, our former pick for the best laser-nav robot vacuum. We’re also trying out the Samsung Jet Bot AI+, another laser-nav bot with obstacle recognition. There are tons more laser-nav robots, with largely similar specs and shark cordless appearance, including bots from barely there brands, including Tesvor, Dreametech, Viomi, and Honiture. Again, our educated guess is that they all probably work okay and are just more prone to app glitches and less likely to get useful software updates over time than the best brands in this category.
People also enjoy how it effortlessly navigates between surfaces without becoming confused or stuck. With a rather plain plastic design it’s not exactly an eye-catcher, so it may not be the best choice if aesthetics are a main concern. It may get stuck in more cluttered areas, and connectivity with your mobile device can be buggy at times. With all the cleaning modes available, it may take a while to find the one that works best for various situations.
Although they’re not meant to be a total replacement for continental cleaning, more to supplement it. While rapidly advancing, robot vacuum cleaners aren’t quite yet capable of tackling large debris and tougher messes so you will still need to take care of these yourself. They help pick up dust, dirt, and debris — reducing your need to frequently clean. There are even hybrid models capable of mopping, although these tend to be on the higher-end of the market.
The iRobot brand earned a Very Good rating for predicted reliability based on data from our member surveys. Maintenance and repairs are easy to perform at home, and iRobot has a track record for keeping spare parts available for every Roomba model it has sold. The brushless, rubberized rollers are dyson robot vacuum great for pet hair; it earns an Excellent rating on that test. A robotic vacuum won’t replace your trusty upright or canister vacuum for deep-cleaning rugs. Self-emptying models tend to come with vacuum bags in the charging base, whereas dustbins on the robot vacuum themselves tend to be bagless.
The Roomba i7+ is the first robot vacuum capable of emptying its own dustbin. With a battery run time of up to 90 minutes, the i7 covers a lot of ground while picking up a ton of hair and other debris that can clog other vacuums. With Imprint Smart-Mapping, the i7 learns your floor plan in just 2 to 3 cycles, seamlessly avoiding furniture and other obstacles. The iHOME app gives you an infinite array of control possibilities from scheduling times, choosing rooms, creating maps, and more. The Roborock S4 Max has the most clever, controllable navigation you’ll find in any robot vacuum.
It also has niceties such as multi-floor mapping, no-go zones, and scheduling. If you’re looking for a robot vacuum that can also mop, the Roborock S7 is worth a look. If you’re choosing between the two most premium robot vacuums money can buy, the S7 MaxV Ultra and the X1 Omni, go with the former if you have a lot of hard flooring and you’re mainly concerned with mopping performance.
If you want a smarter robot, take a look at our top two picks, the Roomba i3 EVO and Roborock S4 Max. Using its laser rangefinder and bump sensors, the S4 Max learns your floor plan in a single cleaning session and creates an interactive map in the companion app. That map enables a bunch of cool tricks, like targeted room cleaning and no-go zones, without having to manually move the bot or fiddle with physical barriers like you would with other robots, including our other picks. The S4 Max isn’t the only robot with a smart-map feature, nor is it the cheapest, nor does it always work perfectly.