We’ve tested a handful of their laser-nav bots over the past few years, including the Deebot Ozmo T8 AIVI (a higher-end but otherwise similar version of their latest models, N8 and N8 Pro). All the ones we’ve tested worked fine when they were new, but you can usually find a better bot for a lower price. The major flaw is the EcoVacs app, which is glitchier than others. Many of those reviewers irobot vacuum cleaner also noted difficulty getting replacement parts. We can’t be sure whether other models will have similar rates of problems, though the typical user ratings for EcoVacs’ laser-nav bots tends to be a few tenths of a point lower than other brands’ ratings. To EcoVacs’ credit, we’ve found that their bots are a little better at traversing tall rugs and large thresholds than other brands’ bots.
But the dream is possible—and even if it isn’t fully realized in your home, it’s still super-convenient to not deal with a messy dustbin every time you use your robot vacuum. The downside with some of these other bots is that you might end up having a hard time getting customer support. It won’t always be clear where you can get spare filters, brushes, or other consumable parts, let alone major components like battery packs, wheels, or LiDAR assemblies. It’s tough enough to find these parts from established brands like Roborock, so it’s hard to imagine the smaller brands will make it any easier. If any of these brands disappear after a year or two, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s happened in the competitive world of robot vacuums.
The SpinWave has a quick setup that takes five minutes, including installing the app and connecting the unit. Additionally, setup and connecting to the app were seamless experiences, dyson robot vacuum taking a total of 10 minutes. The vacuum also has a small footprint so it can squeeze into tight spaces. Members-only prices are available for many types of vacuums at Sam’s Club.
For a limited time, you can get the eufy by Anker Robot Vacuum for $100 off its regular price. This baby is the brand’s newest model, re-engineered to boast suction power while maintaining quiet operation and a super-slim design. After I determined there was no chance I could clean the pet waste off my robot vacuum, I reached out to the manufacturer.
It’s like the developers left in a bunch of code that makes it think it’s still round. We watched it stubbornly try to shove itself into spaces where it obviously couldn’t fit, roughing up some furniture in the process. This would be annoying in a $400 robot, but it’s especially frustrating in a robot that can sometimes cost more than our favorite dishwasher. Hooman Shahidi, irobot vacuum cleaner iRobot’s vice president of product development, told Wirecutter that it’s more difficult to get a D-shaped robot like the Roomba s9 to navigate smoothly. IRobot representatives have also told us that they’ve been fixing navigation problems via software update since the robot launched, but recent user reviews suggest the s9’s performance is still inconsistent.
The name “Roomba” has almost become synonymous with robot vacuums — and iRobot’s automated house-cleaners are still the best in their class. With so many models to choose from, though — about a dozen, depending on how you keep count — it’s hard to know which Roomba is right for you. Looking at general best practices in choosing a robot vacuum and Roomba’s common properties can make it easier to figure out which one fits your space, needs and budget. Having been testing and writing about tech for more than a decade, I’ve used and played around with enough Roomba robot vacuums to understand their approach. For starters, let’s consider what a robot vacuum gives you and what features actually matter.
One of the newest designs, the i9 Roomba, comes in a D-shape with a flat edge that smartly tracks into corners to get even more dirt. The self-charging feature makes it easy to recharge the battery once it gets low. For the ultimate hands-off experience, consider a model with a “recharge and resume” feature. Location This app may use your location even when it isn’t open, which can decrease battery life.