The 10 Best Robot Vacuums of 2023 That Will Do All of the Hard Work for You
Dotdash Meredith and Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
People/Henry Wortock
TABLE OF CONTENTS
On This Page
PEOPLE Tested Winners
Things to Consider Before Buying
How We Tested
FAQs
What Is People Tested?
Robot vacuums are just the latest example of modern technology making our lives easier. Leaving your vacuum unsupervised to clean your home saves you the time and energy of having to do the tedious task yourself. Using smart technology, these vacuums are very self-sufficient, mapping out your home, avoiding stray objects, and sucking up every crumb and piece of dust on your floors.
"There are many factors to consider when purchasing a robot vacuum, but what sets a robot vacuum apart is the software intelligence it utilizes," says Brent Hild, Director of Product Management at iRobot AI. These programmable machines are able to offer a personalized cleaning experience according to Hild, which is designed to make your life easier when it comes to keeping your space tidy. "Software also enables various digital features in a robot's companion app, like scheduling, reports on cleaning results, maintenance suggestions, and more," Hild explains, further detailing the customizable options within these machines.
Our testers created a mock furnished room and let 30 robot vacuums loose to pick up crumbs, fur, and sand. They evaluated each on ease of setup, effectiveness, maneuverability, noise, and special features.
Below, find the 10 best robot vacuums PEOPLE Tested.
PEOPLE Tested Winners
Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Best Budget: ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Best Investment: Samsung VR50T95735W/AA Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Best Mop Combo: ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ Laser Mapping Vacuuming and Mopping Robot
Best for Hard Floors: Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Max
Best for Carpet: iRobot Roomba J7
Best Self-Emptying: Ecovacs Deebot T10 Plus
Best Quiet: Narwal Freo Versatile Self Mop Clean Robot with DirtSense
Best Navigation: Shark® 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop Robot with Matrix Clean Navigation™ RV2610WA
Best App: Miele Scout RX3 Robot Vacuum
Best Overall: iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum
Pros:
Sleek design
Effective and self-sufficient cleaning
Versatility on rugs and hardwood floors
Cons:
Had issues picking up debris at the edge of the rug
When you think of robot vacuums, the first name that pops up is Roomba — a highly popular model beloved for its ease of use and top-notch cleaning skills. The iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum earned a perfect five out of five stars for how simple it was to set up, its effectiveness on both rugs and hard floors, and its maneuverability.
It took our testers just five minutes to set up this vacuum thanks to clear and easy instructions. They loved how well this little vacuum maneuvered around the space — it moves quickly, fitting between chair legs and under tables and other furniture. It also sucked up the pet hair, human hair, cheerios, and even sand with ease.
It should be noted that while this vacuum had some trouble getting debris at the edge of the rug where it met the floor, the combined brush and vacuum technology swept most dirt up on the first pass. Our tester also noted this model doesn't have object avoidance technology. That's not a dealbreaker by any means, but should be considered if you have small kids that leave items on the floor or pets who have accidents.
Overall, we believe this is a good value for the price, and a great vacuum for your day-to-day needs. It's not overly loud, is easy to empty after use, and has some smart technology such as voice control and app connections.
Price at time of publish: $228.86
Works on: Hard floors, rugs, and carpets | Special features: App control, voice control | Object avoidance tech: No | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Pet fur, hair, crumbs, dirt
People/Henry Wortock
Best Budget: ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Pros:
Took less than five minutes to set up
Great control over maneuverability
Includes handy remote control
Cons:
Had some trouble picking up cereal in corners
Not many smart tech features
This budget-friendly robot vacuum was a favorite because it moves around a space efficiently, picking up most dirt on carpets and hard floors along the way. We spent some time reading the manual, which we would recommend to every user or beginner who has never has never had a robot vacuum, and after that, setup took less than five minutes.
This model also comes with a handy remote control so you can change the settings while you lounge and watch your favorite TV show (work smarter, not harder). It can navigate between carpet and hard floors with ease, avoiding most objects despite not having specific object avoidance technology. It scored well in noise level, because our team could hold a clear conversation during testing even when the vacuum was close by.
One issue our tester observed is that this vacuum had trouble grabbing cheerios from corners during testing. Though there aren't many smart tech features with this model, when considering its easy maintenance, cleaning abilities, and low price, we think it's a solid value. This would be an excellent starter robot vacuum for any household.
Price at time of publish: $119.99
Works on: Hard surfaces and carpet | Special features: Remote control | Object avoidance tech: No | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Pet hair, dirt, and other debris
People/Henry Wortock
RELATED: The Best Vacuum Cleaners We Tested in Our Lab
Best Investment: Samsung VR50T95735W/AA Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Pros:
User-friendly design
Quiet when in use
Packed with smart features
Self-emptying
Cons:
Initially avoided the rug during testing
This Jet Bot vacuum is like Pixar's Wall-E — a little robot that does it all. It sucks up debris, avoids stray objects on the ground, streams live camera footage to your phone, cleans itself out, and even talks to you when turning on and off (which is downright adorable). We loved the smart features of this robot vacuum, as well as its simple setup.
Every single part of this machine is high-quality, and it quietly maneuvers around furniture, picking up even the smallest specs of dirt with ease. The smart features are endless with sensors and cameras for object avoidance (to not create a bigger mess than it intends to clean), self-parking in the docking station, self-emptying, and talking when it turns on and off.
We noticed this vacuum initially avoided climbing the rug and instead turned away to continue cleaning the hard floor during the first test. However, it eventually came back around and transitioned well between the floor and the rug.
In short, we were blown away by this robot vacuum, but we recognize the high price puts it out of range for most people. But if you have it in your budget, we say go for it!
Price at time of publish: $703.18 (orig. $1299)
Works on: Hard floors and rugs | Special features: Sensors, camera, self-parking and emptying dock | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Dirt, pet hair, sand, crumbs, and more
People / Henry Wortock
Best Mop Combo: ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ Laser Mapping Vacuuming and Mopping Robot with Self Empty
Pros:
Works in tandem to both pick up debris and mop floors
Simple setup and ease of use
Self-emptying
Cons:
Mop left some residue on the floor
Emptying the dock of the vacuum is quite loud
We loved this vacuum for its ease of use and effective cleaning abilities. The setup was easy, it was ready to go right away, and we loved how efficiently this vacuum removed hair and other debris from the floor, as well as the rug during our tests.
This vacuum moved around the space quickly, avoiding furniture and mapping the floors with ease. The noise level for the robot vacuum wasn't too loud, and it self-docks and empties after cleaning.
The mopping component was just as successful, although we noticed there was a slight issue when trying to clean up the syrup we'd spilled to test its chops. The only drawback is that the brushes are sticky from the syrup and would have to be cleaned after use, and the emptying dock for the vacuum is a little loud.
Overall, we would recommend this product because it works well for the price and includes self-emptying, mopping, and other features that you would want in a robot vacuum.
Price at time of publish: $449.99 (orig. $699.99)
Works on: Hard floors and carpets | Special features: Floor mapping sensors, auto-emptying station | Object avoidance tech: No | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Good for: crumbs, sticky messes, and other debris
People/Henry Wortock
RELATED: The Best Dustbusters That We Tested
Best for Hard Floors: Eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Max
Pros:
Easy setup
Works quickly and effectively
Voice control maneuvers vacuum
Avoids furniture
Cons:
Had difficulty moving from floor to rug
Was missing its remote
If you've ever dreamt of a vacuum that can clean your hardwood floors, tile, and more with the sound of your voice (this model is Alexa-approved), then you're in luck. The BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Max from Eufy is a powerhouse in a small frame (just over a foot in diameter) that senses shifts in the floor by increasing suction strength automatically when larger messes are detected.
This works fabulously on hard flooring, as the vacuum can sense where crumbs may be collecting in the grout in tile floors or pick up any debris lodged under bits of natural wood.
We used this vacuum in a myriad of situations, evaluating its suction against scattered cereal, sand, hair, and more. We were amazed at how quick and effective this vacuum was in all scenarios and how easily it navigated obstacles like furniture.
Though we did notice that this model had a tougher time moving from the rug to the floor (floor-change induced suction and all), we still felt that this model cleaned our fibrous rug just as well as the floor and that this didn't affect its overall performance. Despite this model not including its remote when the package was opened (not great, but not a direct hindrance to its cleaning power), we still had glowing reviews for this Eufy vacuum.
Price at time of publish: $259.90 (orig. $299)
Works on: Hard floors and carpets | Special features: Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice-activated, remote control, BoostIQ suction | Object avoidance tech: Yes, boundary strips | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Crumbs and other debris
People / Henry Wortock
Best for Carpet: iRobot Roomba J7
Pros:
Voice-activated
Easily moves from floor to carpet
Features are less accessible if you don't use the app
Cons:
A bit pricier
Must use app to operate
Sleek in design and accompanied by a complimentary iPhone app is the Robot Roomba J7 vacuum, a model that vacuums and cleans carpet with ease (a feat that we've found to be quite rare with most of these vacuums). This model's movement from hard floors to carpet, a challenge for most machines, was very smooth when put to the test in the lab.
The standout quality of the Roomba was the care it took to fully clean the carpet — going over spots multiple times to truly clean while also going against the perimeter of the room and traveling in a grid-like system so as to not miss any spots. We also appreciated how easy it was for this model to work on hard floors as well, commenting on how effortlessly this vacuum was able to pick up everything from dust to food and pet hair.
As this design lacks a remote and instead is powered by an app, it can be hard to access all of the features that the Roomba provides without downloading the app (which everyone may not want to do). One of the main features of this model was its object-avoiding technology, but we witnessed a few messes that would have been avoided had we used the app.
We also suggest setting this vacuum in the room you want it to clean, as it has some difficulty sensing new rooms and spaces. But once you have your room set, you're free to let it roam and can trust that you'll have a sparkling clean room afterward.
Price at time of publish: $599.99
Works on: Hard floors and carpets | Special features: iRoomba Genius app voice-activated, three-stage cleaning system, power-lifting suction | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Dirt, pet hair and other debris
People / Henry Wortock
Best Self-Emptying: ECOVACS DEEBOT T10 PLUS
Pros:
Resilient cleaner
Scented air filter pods
Great suction
Cons:
Price is steeper than most others on the list
Nobody likes to take the time to empty the dustbin after each use of a vacuum, which makes the self-emptying Ecovacs Deebot T10 Plus a huge help around the house thanks to its low-maintenance design. When the cartridge is full, the vacuum automatically returns to its docking station to eject the debris into a hypoallergenic dust bag that automatically closes to prevent dust or other particles from getting into the air.
We appreciated the inclusion of a mop on the inside of the machine, which cleans stains on the floor as it sweeps up dirt and dust. It was also noted that the vacuum comes with small air filter pods that can release clean fragrances into the air as it cleans.
This model was effective in vacuuming up almost everything that it was tested against, be it cereal, sand, or hair. We also observed how resilient this vacuum was, approaching bumps on the floor by trying to go over them twice and then attempting to move over it from an angle, braving whichever obstacle was in its way.
Though the price for this model is a bit high, we think the quality is worth the splurge. For the ease and effective cleaning that comes with this vacuum, we can understand why this model is well worth the price.
Price at time of publish: $949.99
Works on: Hard floors and carpets | Special features: Oscillating sonic mopping system, self-emptying, hypoallergenic dust bag, front-facing camera | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Good for: Dirt, pet hair, and other debris
People / Henry Wortock
RELATED: The Best Car Vacuums PEOPLE Tested
Best Quiet: Narwal Freo Versatile Self Mop Clean Robot with DirtSense
Pros:
Functional on multiple surfaces
Dirtsense detection
Self-cleaning
Super quiet
Cons:
App is slightly confusing
Doesn't self-empty
If we were to write a resume for this robot vacuum it would read: meticulous worker, adaptable to new environments, quiet presence, and handles its own messes. Though the accompanying app challenged us a bit, it was user-friendly once we were in. (Pro tip: the app has to be open during the duration of the setup.)
This little robot works on tile, hardwood, and carpets, making it versatile for many types of homes. It seemed to get everything on the floors such as dust, pet hair, and other debris. We scheduled the robot to run several times a week — which helped prolong how often we had to deep clean our homes — and noticed an immediate difference in cleanliness.
The machine mops and vacuums simultaneously, determining which surfaces need each type of cleaning. And during Freo mode (the Dirtsense feature), the robot cleans a spot until there's no dirt left rather than just making one or two passes and then moving on. The app shows the progression of each cleaning session and highlights areas in different colors to show where the robot vacuumed versus mopped. It also has a self-drying feature, so it won't leave your floors wet.
Overall, we were amazed by the capabilities of this robot vacuum, especially how quiet it is. This is one of the quietest robot vacuums we have ever been around — we were in the same room watching TV while the vacuum was running and could still watch at a normal volume level. If you have pets that are scared of loud noises, this is also a great option to stay on top of pet hair accumulation without frightening your furry friends.
Price at time of publish: $1,299
Works on: Hardwoods, tile, carpets | Special features: Dirt detection, self-cleaning, scheduling, smart navigation, app | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Good for: Dirt, debris, and pet hair
Best Navigation: Shark® 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop Robot with Matrix Clean Navigation™ RV2610WA
Pros:
Good navigation/object avoidance
Scheduling
Quiet
Mop combo
Self-empties
Cons:
Challenging setup
If you're in a home with multiple dogs, cats, or even a bunny, you're no stranger to seeing dirt on the floors. PEOPLE was relieved to try out this Shark robot vacuum, and gave it a perfect score for effectiveness. We set up a schedule for the vacuum to do its thing while we went to work, and always came home to sparkling floors.
We used the robot vacuum on tile floors, but it also worked well on carpet and hardwood flooring. We particularly loved the spot-cleaning feature as it picked up all the dirt and mud the dogs dragged in from the backyard in our tests. The mop works in tandem with the vacuum to clean the floors after the debris is removed, and it uses minimal water, so floors dry fast.
It's also a quiet device with solid object detection. During our tests, the vacuum didn't run into anything, highlighting its maneuverability around chairs and tables. The vacuum also self-empties, and the mop pads are reusable and washable, which is an added (and sustainable) bonus.
Price at time of publish: $449.40
Works on: Tile, hardwoods, carpet | Special features: Spot cleaning, scheduling, app, self-emptying | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Good for: Dirt, grass, pet hair, and other debris
Best App: Miele Scout RX3 Robot Vacuum
Pros:
Comprehensive app
Easy to clean
User-friendly
Cons:
Hard time navigating rugs
We absolutely loved our experience with the Miele robot vacuum. The vacuum works on all floor types, and can maneuver around your home with ease. We were pleasantly surprised with the simple setup, and appreciated how intuitive the app was for a first-time user.
In the app, you can change the cleaning modes, set schedules, see a map of your floor area that the vacuum covers, and send it back to the charging station with a simple tap on your phone screen. To schedule, you can set the day and time you want the vacuum to clean, which was a dream for when we weren't home but expecting company later.
The Miele vacuum picked up hair, dust, and debris with ease — in fact, there wasn't anything it didn't pick up in our tests. The machine skirted around the low furniture and navigated the space well. We cheered out loud when it went under the couch, because it's hard to move and is often overlooked on cleaning day. The vacuum struggled a little with rugs, but overall, we were impressed.
Price at time of publish: $899
Works on: Hardwood floors, carpets, tile | Special features: Comprehensive app, scheduling | Object avoidance tech: Yes | Mopping capabilities: No | Good for: Dirt, hair, and debris
Things to Consider Before Buying Robot Vacuums
Maneuverability
Since one of the perks of robot vacuums is their ability to be left unsupervised, you'll want to make sure you choose a model with plenty of maneuverability. Home mapping technology can help because it lets the vacuum know where there are stairs and other hazards, as well as detect where furniture is. You'll also want to consider whether the vacuum can easily maneuver between rugs, carpets, and hard floors.
Object-Avoidance Technology
One benefit of certain robot vacuums is object-avoidance technology. These vacuums are equipped with sensors (sometimes cameras!) to help avoid things like kids' toys, socks, and pet messes that you don't want spreading around your house. Models like the iRobot J7 Roomba are specifically designed to maneuver their way around items on the floor, like cords or toys, thanks to their object-avoidance technology.
Special Features
Robot vacuums can be pricey, so you want to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck. Some special features to look for include home mapping, self-parking in the dock, and self-emptying. Other features include voice control and app integration, where you can direct the vacuum from your smartphone or other smart devices.
Price
As stated before, another aspect to consider is the price of your robot vacuum. Often times these small but mighty machines will range anywhere from $300 to $900, with the extremes on this list starting at just under $160, like the ILIFE V3s Pro Robot Vacuum Cleaner, and stretching to the Samsung AA Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner, which retails at $1,299. While higher prices typically indicate higher quality and more special features, there's plenty of bang for your buck in the vacuums closer to $100 as well.
People / Henry Wortock
How We Tested Robot Vacuums
Over a span of two days, our team ran a series of tests evaluating 30 robot vacuums for ease of setup, effectiveness, noise level, features, maneuverability, ease of emptying, and overall value.
During the lab test, our testers read the instructions, timed how long each vacuum took to set up, and got to work testing the capabilities of each model. In a small contained area, they set the robot vacuums free to munch on various debris (cheerios! fur! sand!) and considered the effectiveness of each. For hybrid models, they also tested the mopping components by adding sticky syrup to the mix.
Alas, we had a couple of hiccups during testing with Wi-Fi and noise, so some variables were long-term tested in our homes. Our testers evaluated some special features (like smart mapping and object avoidance) and how well the vacuums maneuvered around the space. Lastly, they emptied each vacuum to see how messy or simple that process was.
FAQs
Should I buy a robot vacuum or a regular vacuum?
The choice ultimately depends on the type of flooring that you have, the number of obstacles in your home, and how you prefer to clean. Robot vacuums are great for maintaining dust-free floors, especially in homes with hard flooring or low-pile carpets and in rooms with minimal clutter. Unlike regular vacuums, robot vacuums are also great for maneuvering under low tables and sofas. Because they are not as powerful as regular upright vacuums, robot vacuums are not as effective for deep cleaning and extra thick carpets.
What's the best robot vacuum?
Our top pick is the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum because of its effectiveness at picking up debris during our tests, its versatility as it can be used across different surfaces, and its relatively affordable price point compared to similar models of its capabilities.
Can robot vacuums go over carpeting?
While robot vacuums can go over carpeting, the deeper the carpet the more power is required for the robot vacuum to effectively clean. A robot vacuum will spend more time going over carpeting than other types of flooring. If your flooring is primarily carpeted, look for a robot vacuum that is specifically intended for use on carpeted floors, as some we tested proved more effective on hardwood floors versus carpet. Our top pick for use on carpeted floors is the iRobot Roomba J7.
Do robot vacuums empty themselves?
Some robot vacuums include a self-emptying feature and models that include this convenience tend to be more expensive. When a self-emptying robot vacuum returns to its home base after cleaning, it will automatically empty its dustbin. Base dust containers can hold about 30 to 60 days of dust and debris before they need to be emptied. The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Plus was our favorite vacuum with a self-emptying feature.
Will a robot vacuum fall down the stairs?
Ledge detection sensors on robot vacuums prevent them from falling down stairs. It's all part of the navigation system and numerous sensors that are built into robot vacuums that also allow them to avoid furniture and other obstacles.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Want more product recommendations? Check out all of our People Tested content.
