In this day and age, robotic vacuums have become a popular addition to modern homes. These smart and powerful machines have an array of benefits for busy homeowners, from automatic operation to scheduling, wireless controls, and smart home compatibility. But how can you tell which the best robot vacuum cleaner for you is? We’ve rounded up the most effective models of the year, with options for pet owners, tech lovers or customers on a budget. Learn about the value you get with each model below!

Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner 2018

10. iRobot Roomba 671 – Most Popular Robot Vacuum

Some of the best robot vacuum cleaner models on the market are designed by a single company – iRobot. Manufactured under the Roomba brand, iRobot vacuums paved the way for the multitude of robotic vacs we have on the market today. We’ll be covering several Roombas in our guide, starting with the most popular of them all – the iRobot Roomba 671. It’s the #1 best-selling item in two Robotic Vacuums categories on Amazon, where you can purchase it for about $280.

Specifications

• Dual multi-surface brushes
• 3-stage cleaning system
• Automatically adjusting cleaning head
• iRobot HOME app for wireless controls
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

Design & Usability

The Roomba 671 has an array of design perks meant to ease home maintenance. It was designed with an edge-sweeping brush and an auto-adjust cleaning head, perfect for getting in tight spaces. Also, you can use the Roomba 671 on both hardwood floors and carpets without any issues. The model is Wi-Fi connected, so you can operate it from a distance through the iRobot Home mobile app. Alternatively, use voice controls if you have Alexa or Google Assistant.

Quality & Performance

As a pioneer in the industry, iRobot has thought out all user needs to get the best wireless cleaning experience. The 671 uses a 3-stage cleaning system and smart navigation to avoid obstacles and dropping while moving through your home. In the beginning, your Roomba 671 can run for up to 3 hours at a time, and it will reach an average of 90 minutes on a charge in time. Be careful with darker surfaces or areas, though – they might confuse the Roomba’s sensors, causing it to act “lost”.

9. eufy RoboVac 11 – Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Suction

The main purpose of any vacuum cleaner – robotic or otherwise – is to suck up all the dirt, hair, and dust on your floors. However, many current models leave a lot to be desired. It’s not the case for the eufy RoboVac 11 – the best robot vacuum cleaner on our list in terms of suction. The RoboVac 11 is the 3^rd best-selling product in the Robotic Vacuums Amazon category, with thousands of 5-star reviews to support it. On the platform, you can purchase the model for approximately $480.

Specifications

• 1000Pa suction
• 1-inch profile
• 3 cleaning modes – Spot, Edge, Max
• Triple filter system
• Drop-sensing technology

Design & Usability

One of the most attractive design features of the RoboVac 11 is its super low profile. It measures only 3.1 inches tall, making it about half an inch thinner than the majority of competing models. Consequently, it can vacuum under all sorts of furniture without trouble. Moreover, its shell is covered with anti-scratch glass so it won’t lose cosmetic value after heavy usage. The RoboVac 11 comes with a remote control, but you’ll have to purchase 2 AAA batteries separately.

Quality & Performance

There are a few quality concerns regarding the computer component of the RoboVac. It may have problems detecting obstacles or making its way around houses with unconventional floor plans. Nevertheless, it has far more advantages than disadvantages. For instance, its suction power is absolutely amazing, up to par with competitive full-sized vacuum cleaners. Thanks to its brushless motor, it’s also extremely quiet, especially compared to most other robot vacuums on the market.

8. Neato Robotics D7 Connected – Best High-tech Robot Vacuum Cleaner

With robotic vacuum cleaners, it’s all about technology. While systems are constantly being improved, we still have a lot that can be improved in the industry. Still, there are some models that stand out from competitors in terms of tech-related features. One of them is the Neato Robotics D7 Connected, a unit that steps up the game for robot vacuums. Even though – at around $800 on Amazon – it does come at a price, it should be regarded as a long-term investment for your home.

Specifications

• Apple Watch, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT compatibility
• Built-in 5GHz Wi-Fi
• LaserSmart navigation & mapping
• Virtual No-Go Lines
• Ultra Performance filter

Design & Usability

As opposed to most other robot vacuums, the Neato D7 has a D-shaped design, with one side curved and the other straight. The purpose of the unusual design is to effectively vacuum in corners, without having to rely on other features. Furthermore, the D7 has integrated 5GHz Wi-Fi and is compatible with an array of gadgets and apps, from Apple Watch to Alexa, IFTTT, and more. The powerful Ultra Performance filter is also highly useful for customers who suffer from allergies.

Quality & Performance

It’s wonderful that the D7 uses advanced technology, but simply having the specs isn’t enough. Indeed, the model boasts features like virtual walls and LaserSmart mapping. However, they’re both pretty buggy at the moment. Additionally, Neato has a large customer support team that responds to issues, but a many of them are never fully solved. As for the advantages, the D7 is easy to install and operate, not to mention that it can run for up to 120 minutes in one of two modes – Turbo or Eco.

7. Coredy R500 – Best Robot Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but you can’t take any chances when it comes to their maintenance if you want them to last. As far as vacuums are in discussion, you should be careful and choose a model that is safe to use on wooden surfaces. In the robot vacuum category, one of the best units for hardwood floors is the Coredy R500. You can currently order the 3-in-1 vacuum, sweeper, and mop robot on Amazon for approximately $600.

Specifications

• 15-degree auto-lift cleaning head
• 27-degree dual edge sweeping brushes
• 2400Pa suction power
• 12 infrared sensors and pressure-sensitive bumper
• <60db vacuuming noise

Design & Usability

The R500 has all the features you could want for cleaning your hardwood floors safely. You benefit from five cleaning modes: auto cleaning, spot cleaning, edge cleaning, max vacuuming cleaning, and wet/dry floor cleaning. When in mop mode, you can fill the tank with up to 300 ml of water at a time. The robot is also conveniently equipped with a large, 550 ml dirt cup for vacuuming. It takes around 4-5 hours for the unit to fully charge; afterwards, it will run for about 110 minutes at a time.

Quality & Performance

The quality issue with the R500 is related to the flimsy side brushes. However, when you receive your package, you get several replacement brushes that are sturdier than the original ones. Aside from that, you enjoy auto slow down, drop sensor technology, and smart motion navigation with the R500. You can clean and schedule the unit with the included remote control, which operates from up to 16.5 feet away. When the session is done or the battery is low, it automatically returns to its dock.

6. iRobot Roomba 980 – Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet

It’s hard to find a robotic vac that performs on carpets just as well as it does on standard surfaces. Carpets require deep cleaning to remove particles, and most robot vacuums don’t have the necessary power. Still, we have identified a model that puts even upright vacuum cleaners to shame. We’re talking about the Roomba 980, the latest model in the series developed by iRobot. At the moment, you can buy it for around $800 new on Amazon, depending on the seller you choose.

Specifications

• iAdapt 2.0 Navigation technology
• AeroForce Cleaning System
• Dual mode virtual wall barriers
• Alexa and Google Assistant enabled
• Dirt Detect sensors

Design & Usability

Compared to its predecessors, the Roomba 980 has a far sturdier dust bin, but it’s a bit harder to remove for emptying. The model features the company’s signature dual, tangle-free, multi-surface brushes for pet hair, as well as efficient Dirt Detect sensors. When ordering on Amazon, you also get extra accessories with your purchase (side brush and filter). As with all Roombas, you can control the 980 through Alexa, Google Assistant or iRobot HOME, but do note that the app’s firmware is buggy.

Quality & Performance

The reason we added the Roomba 980 to our list is its astounding performance on carpets through the AeroForce Cleaning System. It provides genuine deep cleaning for up to 120 minutes on a charge, particularly when using Performance mode. It’s pretty loud for a robot vacuum, but most users opt to schedule sessions when they’re not at home. An awesome aspect is that you receive Clean Map reports via the iRobot app so you know which areas of your house have been cleaned.

5. Ecovacs OZMO 601 – Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mop Hybrid

If you’re going to invest in the best robot vacuum cleaner, you should get as much value as possible for the money. One of the smartest ways to do so is to get a robot hybrid with vacuum and mopping options. There are several models that can get the job done well, but the Ecovacs OZMO 601 is among the best in its class. Available for approximately $350 on Amazon, the OZMO 601 adequately combines key features of robotic mops and vacuums to form one super cool product.

Specifications

• 2-in-1 robotic vacuum & mop
• Anti-collision and anti-drop sensors
• Ecovacs smart app control
• Compatibility with Google Home and Alexa
• ~65 dbA noise level

Design & Usability

Not only does the OZMO 601 work as a vacuum and mop in one, but it also features 3 distinct cleaning modes. You can set it on automatic or choose edge or spot cleaning, as necessary. Moreover, you can operate the OZMO from your smart device through the Ecovacs app, Google Home or Alexa. As an alternative, you can use the remote control for quick tasks. Although the OZMO is most recommended for hard surfaces, you may be able to use it on thin carpets too.

Quality & Performance

It seems that problematic apps are a recurring issue with the developing technology of robot vacuums, including the OZMO 601. Even more, the OZMO, in particular, seems to have troubles re-docking from time to time. However, the model positively stands out through a systematic cleaning path that follows an S-shape route, resulting in full surface coverage. The anti-drop and anti-collision sensors are also reported to be effective, as well as the OZMO’s battery (100 min. on a charge).

4. Shark Ion 750 – Best Quiet Robot Vacuum Cleaner

You would be surprised to find out just how noisy most of the best robot vacuum cleaner models are. If you live in an apartment building or want to run your vac while you’re home, you may be annoyed by how loud it is despite its small size. Thankfully, there are units that are as quiet as a machine can be. The Ion 750 is definitely one of them, a model developed by the popular appliance manufacturer Shark. You can currently buy it on Amazon for around $380, but try to keep an eye out for sales.

Specifications

• Smart sensor navigation
• Voice control via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant
• Self-detangling brush roll
• 1-touch activated dual-brush cleaning
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Design & Usability

The Shark Ion 750 uses smart sensor technology to gently navigate through your home without hitting furniture. In addition, the dual-spinning brushes protect your baseboards from damage through the touch of a button. If you have pets that tend to shed like there’s no tomorrow, the Shark Ion will be a dream come true. Not only does it pick up even the smallest pet hairs, but it also has a smart brush roll that detangles on its own. You can also use Google Assistant or Alexa with the Ion.

Quality & Performance

We don’t have the precise decibel rating of the Shark Ion, but numerous happy customers support the fact that it’s quiet. The model effectively cleans, docks, and recharges automatically and doesn’t get stuck under furniture as often as competitors. It appears, though, that Shark has some QA problems with the model, so make sure you ask for a replacement if you get a dud. You should also stock up on replacement filters whenever you find them available online.

3. ILIFE V5s Pro- Best Budget Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Robotic vacuums aren’t cheap. Rarely can you buy a model for less than several hundred dollars, let alone one that will work well. Nonetheless, after scouring the internet, we have found the best robot vacuum under 200 dollars that will exceed any and all expectations. The ILIFE V5s Pro is a tremendous value, with a current Amazon price of just about $160. In a nutshell, it delivers the Roomba performance for a quarter of the money. Did we mention it’s a vacuum-mop hybrid too?

Specifications

• Dual-clean – vacuuming and mopping
• 10 mm / 15-degree auto-adjustment
• Advanced anti-drop technology
• Auto-dock & auto-recharge features
• Pet hair care technology

Design & Usability

As if the ridiculous price point wasn’t enough, the V5s Pro can vacuum, sweep, and mop. Although you shouldn’t use the V5s Pro for carpets, the model does have an auto-adjustment feature of 15 degrees (10 mm) to travel from one hard surface to the other. You can set the ILIFE V5s Pro to one of four convenient cleaning modes – auto, edge, spot or schedule. Another surprising perk is that replacement parts for the model are not only affordable, but they’re also readily available on Amazon.

Quality & Performance

The ILIFE V5s Pro blends a number of smart features to deliver amazing results on a budget. From automatically docking and recharging to advanced pet hair care and anti-drop technology, the V5s is a true gem. Even the sensors will outperform plenty of pricier competitors. Although there is some debate regarding the cleaning route, the model performs quietly and effectively for up to 140 minutes (!). According to consumer reports, you should also enjoy a long and satisfying product life.

2. bObi Pet- Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair

Regardless if you have dogs or cats, we all know that shedding maintenance can be a complete nightmare. We’ve talked about a few vacs that work well for pet hair until now, but none of them can compare to the bObi Pet. The model was specifically designed to meet the ever-demanding needs of customers who own multiple pets. At the time we were reviewing the bObi Pet, it had an Amazon price of around $325 and a huge average customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Specifications

• 5-in-1 robot vacuum and mop
• 11500 RPM motor
• 1-liter dirt cup
• HEPA filtration
• 80 touch sensors

Design & Usability

The bObi pet is one of the few robotic vacuums you can order in two different colors. You can choose silver for a discreet appearance in your home, or scarlet if you want to easily spot the vacuum. The model comes with a big, 1-liter dirt cup to store the abundance of pet hair it will pick up. Even though it currently doesn’t feature an app or Wi-Fi connectivity, the bObi robot vacuum can be operated via remote control. Alternatively, use the three touchscreen buttons – Go!, Juice or Waffle.

Quality & Performance

Excessive pet hair is no match for bObi. Animal owners are thrilled with the quality of the unit, as well as that of the company’s swift and friendly customer service. Although the model uses 80 touch sensors to detect obstacles, it still has some navigation issues that we hope will be sorted out in the near future. Other than that, you can set smart boundaries (virtual walls) and schedule the robot to work its 11500 RPM magic to maintain your pet-friendly home for 90 minutes at a time.

1. iRobot Roomba 690 – Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner of 2018

It was pretty obvious that the best robot vacuum cleaner of the year would be a model from the industry pioneer. Naturally, iRobot takes the win in the robo-vac race, with the Roomba 690 comfortably sitting on the #1 podium spot. Not only is it arguably the best value Roomba at the moment, but it’s also an all-around fantastic wireless cleaner. You can purchase it for approximately $350 on Amazon, where it’s among the top 3 robotic vacuum cleaners in terms of sales.

Specifications

• 60 decisions per second via smart sensors
• 3-stage cleaning system
• Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa compatibility
• Dirt Detect technology
• Cleaning and scheduling through iRobot HOME app

Design & Usability

The 690 shares most of the same design features as newer Roombas, just at a fraction of the price. You get the dual multi-surface brushes, edge-sweeping brushes, and 3-stage cleaning system, complete with Dirt Detect technology. Similarly, you can pick the iRobot HOME app, Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa for controlling your Roomba from afar. The Roomba 690’s suite of smart sensors work together to make 60 decisions every second while the vacuum is running.

Quality & Performance

There are a few drawbacks with the 980, such as the dark obstacle problem that Roomba constantly faces. However, the pros clearly outweigh the cons when you balance out performance and price. The Roomba 690 effortlessly moves from one surface to the other, operating remarkably well on wood floors and carpets alike. For the money you pay, you also get one dual mode virtual wall. We all know how expensive Roombas are, so the 690 is an overall steal when you draw the line.

Final Verdict

In closing, you can now shop for the best robot vacuum cleaner to meet the specific requirements of your home. We strongly recommend that you choose your model based on your floor type (hardwood, carpet, etc.), how tall your furniture is, and whether or not you own animals and have to deal with pet hair in excess. In the end, you should narrow your results down to at least two or three vacuums and pick the one that fits in your budget. Enjoy the benefits of wireless home maintenance!