Best robotic vacuum
This Old House Reviews team
Robot vacuum cleaners pick up dirt and debris from your home’s floors through daily automated sweeping, and they reach corners and tight spaces that are difficult to clean with traditional vacuums. Some robotic vacuums even utilize sensors to intelligently map your home’s floor plan to clean the floors and carpets that need it most.
Robotic vacuums are useful tools, but some products are better than others. Avoid purchasing a model that’s prone to getting itself stuck or doesn’t have the suction power to get your cleaning job done the first time around. To help you find the best robotic vacuum for your home, the This Old House Reviews team did the research for you and found the best robotic vacuums on Amazon, each uniquely effective in cleaning your home. Here are our top picks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GNPDMRP
iRobot Roomba i7+
Pros
- Has a three-stage cleaning system that claims to offer 10x the suction power of previous iRobot models
- Incorporates smart mapping to learn and map each room it cleans
- Offers the ability to clean and schedule cleanings by room
Cons
- Its home base emits a loud noise as it sucks up collected debris
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q7Y84S6
Ecovacs DEEBOT 500
Pros
- Offers scheduled cleanings that are customizable through the supported mobile app
- Returns to its station for charging after each cycle
- Features an edge mode that increases suction power along dirt-filled edged areas
Cons
- Doesn’t include multi-floor mapping
- Some customers expressed concerns over data privacy within the Ecovacs app
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KNGV1K
ILIFE Robotic Mop and Vacuum
Pros
- Is a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop that can clean carpets and bare floors
- Has a three-speed water control for precise mopping
- Equipped with rubber wheels that help the robot roll over door sills and carpet
Cons
- The included mop is unable to effectively clean uneven surfaces
- Doesn’t allow you to set specific areas to clean
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079QYYGF1
eufy 11S RoboVac
Pros
- Its Boost IQ technology momentarily increases suction power when more vacuuming strength is needed
- Has four side brushes to collect dirt from all angles
- Includes a remote for easier cleaning control
Cons
- Its brushes are prone to tangle
- Some reviewers experienced malfunctioning within the first few months of running their vacuum
FAQs
How often do you have to empty a robot vacuum?
The number of times you need to empty your robotic vacuum generally depends on the size of its dirt bin. Models with larger bins will require less emptying than those with small bins. In general, most robotic vacuum cleaners will need to be emptied after each use to ensure that they can efficiently complete their next cleaning cycle. Some robot vacuum models, like the iRobot i7+, clean their own bins.
Do robot vacuums scratch hardwood floors?
Though robot vacuums are designed to clean hardwood floors, it’s important to keep your robot’s wheels clean to prevent stuck-on dirt and debris from scratching your floors.
Can robot vacuums clean multiple floors?
Yes, most robot vacuums include the capability to set unique cleaning modes for each floor of the house.
The This Old House Reviews team provides overviews of select products that are top-selling on Amazon and/or popular in consumer searches. Our team evaluates the products based on industry research, consumer reviews, pricing data, hands-on testing in select cases, and other objective criteria unique to a given product line. Unless otherwise noted, these product reviews are intended to help inform buying decisions for DIY or other non-pro users only. Editor’s picks are made by members of the Reviews Team, and do not imply an endorsement by the experts on This Old House or Ask This Old House.