Best robot vacuums 2022: 8 smart options for autonomous cleaning
Having one of the best robot vacuums to zip around the home whilst you're at work -or doing something more enjoyable than vacuuming - is a real treat. They'll keep themselves busy, let you know when they're full, and even return to base when they need a charge.
And while the first robot vacuums were pretty, well dumb, things have improved immeasurably, with the latest designs boasting advanced Artificial Intelligence, piles of sensors, voice control, app control, self-emptying, clever room mapping, and even mopping! They're essentially an extension to the best cordless vacuum cleaners because it's efficient, hands-free cleaning but with these little guys they'll just do all the moving around for you.
Need help choosing? No worries: we've rounded up our fave buys (below) from the likes of iRobot, Shark, and Roborock in this guide, so there is a vac to suit all budgets and requirements. They're all served at the best price to help save you more time by doing all the research for you.
Best robot vacuums 2022
1. iRobot Roomba j7+
This is the best robot vacuum you can buy
Dust bin size: .42 gallons | Dimensions: 13." W x 3.4" H | Noise level: N/A | Compatibility: Alexa/Google/Apple-Siri
Self-emptying
Superb cleaning
Accurate Obstacle Detection
Intelligently maps and shows where it cleans
Beautiful design
Expensive
Replacement bags cost extra
Can't set Keep Out Zones until after a map is completed
The Roomba j7+ is the most stylish Roomba to date, and it's jam-packed with iRobot's latest technology, including brand-new obstacle avoidance detection. It replaces the i7+, offering the best cleaning for pet hair, smart room mapping, and navigation, and easy-to-create no-go zones using the app.
Design and Technical Features
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is the first iRobot to use PrecisionVision Navigation to recognize objects and avoid obstacles like pet waste and charging cords. To create a map of your floorplan, the j7+ uses Imprint Smart Mapping Technology, armed with a camera and a suite of sensors to create a floorplan of your space that it utilizes to most efficiently clean your home. Within the iRobot app, you will be able to track and see where the robot cleaned, note any particularly dirty areas, confirm any obstacles the j7+ detected, and of course schedule. The brain of the vacuum, is the iRobot Genius Home Intelligence, available in any wifi-enabled iRobot, can anticipate your needs by learning your schedule and using unique intelligence to understand where and when your robot is most useful. It also has a high-quality air filtration system to help keep dust particles and allergens from being returned to the room.
But best of all is the Roomba j7+CleanBase docking station that charges the battery and empties its dustbin automatically, making cleaning even easier and more reliable, and you’ll no longer have to empty the vacuum mid-clean or come back to half a finished job. Each dust bag has enough room for 60 full vacuum bins of dirt.
Final thoughts
The Roomba j7+ doesn't just look nice in your home but performs wonderfully. Dare we say it's one of the most intelligent robot vacuums we've come across? It captures pet (and human) hair with ease, avoids cords and small clutter, and is overall pretty easy to control. We did have some glitchy moments with the iRobot app, but overall the robot exceeded our expectations, much like the iRobot Roomba j7+.
2. Shark AI Robot XL with Self-Cleaning Base
Best robot vacuum with self-cleaning base
Dust bin size: 1.95qt. for the base, .17qt. on robot | Dimensions: 13.7" x 4.1" | Noise level: N/A | Compatibility: Alexa/Google/Apple-Siri
Controllable via app to schedule and choose which room to clean in
Bagless Self-Emptying base holds up to 60 days of dust
No-go strips create a boundary of where you DON'T want the vacuum to go
Effortlessly transitions between hard floors and area rugs
Uses Lidar Navigation for fast mapping
Charging base requires space, can't be moved
Won't work across multiple floors/ room barriers
Can't track progress as it cleans
If you love the idea of being able to set your vacuum and forgetting about it, down to having to empty the dust bin, consider the Shark AI Robot XL with Self-Cleaning Base. It offers smart mapping, personalized cleaning schedules, and a self-emptying base that makes it a safe choice for those thinking about getting their first robot vacuum.
Design and Technical Features
The Shark AI utilizes LIDAR technology, which uses light to detect and arrange your space as well as detect obstacles. Via the SharkClean app, you can schedule cleanings, target specific rooms, adjust suction power, note no-go zones,
Shark’s PowerFins brush roll design digs deep into carpets and directly engages floors for better pick-up. The anti-brush roll feature is useful for keeping strands of hair from clogging the machine The robot operates in clean, methodical lines and though the battery lasted almost two hours, should it need to recharge or empty the dust bin in the middle of cleaning, it will automatically return the dock, and then resume.
Shark's self-emptying base (with a HEPA filter) only needs to be emptied every 60 days, though that differs with how often you run the robot and how messy your floors are. While the self-clean base can not be moved once placed (otherwise the mapping will have to start from scratch) and the robot can only map one floorplan at a time.
Final thoughts
The Shark AI is a powerful little workhorse. Its navigation technology is superior to the previously reviewed Shark IQ, which cleans row by row to navigate as opposed to Lidar technology, and is presumed to offer 50% better hair pick up.
While the Shark AI is designed to suction everything from pet hair to small messes, though we would avoid relying on it to pick up larger pieces of debris.
3. Roborock S7
Best robot vacuum for wet and dry cleaning
Dust bin size: 480mL | Dimension: 13.8 x 13.7 x 3.8” | Noise level : 67dB | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant
Vacuum and sonic mopping
Good for large homes
Great dust pick-up
Comprehensive app
Zoned and multi-floor cleaning
LiDAR navigation allows efficient route planning
Option to upgrade to a self-emptying base
Not compatible with 5G networks
The Roborock S7 robot vacuum can vacuum and washes hard floors as it goes but takes it a step further with its new sonic-mopping ability called Intelligent Mopping. The mopping component instinctively lifts when it comes in contact with the carpet. The sonic-mopping technology pulses at over 3,000 cycles per minute to scrub out stuck-on dirt, with a large 300ml water tank suitable for large homes.
Design and Technical Features
Designed for homes up to 300 m², it’s powerful enough to deal with everyday dust and dirt with a rated 2,500kpa that lifts dust from floors and pulls grime out of the carpets. It uses LIDAR navigation to create accurate maps of your home with precision route tracking and plans the most efficient route while cleaning in nice straight lines.
Thanks to the Mi Home app it rarely gets lost or confused. Plus you can even designate no-go areas – around the kid’s LEGOs, or near a particularly delicate plant– which it will diligently avoid. You can even set it to clean certain areas – around the kitchen table after breakfast – as well as schedule cleaning sessions. Plus, during a cleaning cycle, it shows the route it’s taking so you know exactly where it’s cleaned, so you'll never have to wonder if it missed a spot.
Final thoughts
We wouldn’t throw out the long-handled mop just yet, but the small water tank lets you control the amount of water sprayed and the scrubbing pad leaves floors appreciably cleaner. And we like the fact it has a plastic moisture-collecting tray that sits under the charger, protecting the wet surface until you can get home and rinse out the cleaning pad.
4. iRobot Roomba S9+
Best robot vacuum for carpets
Dust bin size: 0.4 litres / 0.42qts | Dimensions: 33.8 x 33.8 x 9.2cm / 12.3" x 12.3" x 3.5” | Noise level: N/A | Compatibility: Alexa/Google/Apple-Siri
Self-emptying
Superior suction power
Smart room navigation
Good for allergy sufferers
Expensive
Replacement bags cost extra
The S9+ is the most powerful Roomba to date, with a 40x improved suction compared to its base models such as the Roomba 981.
Design and technical features
The superior suction makes it best for picking up pet hair and deep cleaning carpets. Being an iRobot, it also offers smart room mapping and navigation, and easy to create no-go zones using the app.
When the S9+ moves from hard floors to carpet the suction increases automatically for a deeper, more powerful clean. It also has a high-quality air filtration system to help keep dust particles and allergens from being returned to the room.
Final thoughts
The S9+ is iRobot's most premium model, and we can see it from the sleek build to the superior clean. We aren't worried about letting it roam on its own independently, and are confident that it'll get the job done.
5. Neato D9 Intelligent Robot Vacuum
Best robot vacuum for getting into corners
Dust bin size: .7L | Dimensions: 12.71" x 3.99" | Noise level : TBC | Compatibility: Alexa / Google Assistant
Gets right into the corners
Stylish, modern design with a slim charge base
Recommended for spaces up to 750 sq. ft.
Great for pet hair
No zone cleaning
Mixed customer experiences
Neato's latest robot offering, the D9 Intelligent Robot Vacuum is a solid all-around option that picks up a huge amount of dust, dirt, and pet hair with its signature D-shaped body to navigate into tight corners.
Design and Technical Features
The D9 uses LIDAR navigation to map your home which works in the dark. To minimize the robot vacuum's footprint, it also includes a slim charge base, while the roomy dust bin can collect up to .7 liters of dirt during its lengthy 200 minutes run time.
The square front design and 11” Helix Multi-Surface brush bar and spinning side arms enable it to get right into the corners and also has a wide brush bar for efficient cleaning in large open-plan areas. The 140° brush design reduces brush noise on hard surfaces and excels at dust and debris pickup on all surface types.
Plus, its revamped companion app provides smart control options to optimize your experience. Within the app, you can schedule cleaning cycles, as well as manually start, stop or pause cleaning and choose between two cleaning modes: Eco and Turbo. The app also shows the vacuum's cleaning path, so you can know that every square foot has been covered. Here, you'll also be able to create boundaries or "Virtual No-Go Zones," but you don't yet have the ability to instruct the D9 to clean only certain rooms or create multiple floor maps.
Final thoughts
While customer reviews are more scarce on this newer device, they are quite split between those who've had excellent experiences and those that struggled with the wifi connection and setup. Luckily, software updates will enable Neato to improve technology and address glitches over time. It offers a reliable clean, with our favorite part being not having to grab an extra vacuum to make sure those tough corner spaces get cleaned.
6. Ecovacs Deebot OZMO N7 Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner
Best robot vacuum for smart home mapping
Dust bin size: 420ml | Dimensions: 350mm x 350mm x 93mm | Noise level: 65dB | Compatibility: Alexa, Google
Fast smart home mapping, and shows where it cleans and where it is in the room
Cleans well
Identifies between carpets and hard floor surfaces
Option to mop with microfiber cloth or disposable cloth
Only mop with water, so not the most thorough clean
Flip-up design to access dust-bin and power button feels flimsy
Not compatible with ECOVACS auto empty
ECOVACS carries a robust lineup of smart vacuums, several of which stretch into price ranges of over $1,000. Fortunately, the more basic Deebot OZMO N7 Robot Vacuum and Mop Cleaner left us just as pleased with its performance and comes with a more palatable $350 price tag.
Design and Technical Features
The Deebot OZMO combines both vacuuming and mopping features with a powerful 2300Pa suction that automatically adjusts and a runtime of up to 110 minutes. Our favorite aspect was how quickly we watched an accurate smart map form, within minutes using advanced Lidar navigation, and we could see in real-time exactly where the vacuum robot was during a cleaning session, and a summary of everywhere it cleaned. There is also the ability to clean specific areas, set general no-go zones or no-go mopping zones, and develop multiple floor plans.
The mopping system is pretty easy to set up, with the option to clean with a reusable microfiber cloth or disposable wipes. The OZMO mopping system incorporates a 240ml water tank that has an electronic water pump with four different water flow rates. A built-in voice assistant reminds you to remove the mopping parts once cleaning is complete, and shares other alerts as well.
Final thoughts
The mapping from the map comes out looking a little rudimentary, but highly accurate, especially as it can differentiate between hard floors and carpets. The mopping part only cleans with water, so we don't quite think it's ready to fully replace your mop, but useful for scrubbing up any sticky messes or stains. It is a slightly older model too, so it's not going to be compatible with ECOVAC's auto-empty bases, but the dust bin was sufficient for getting through a proper clean.
7. eufy by Anker BoostIQ RoboVac 30C MAX
Best quiet robot vacuum cleaner
Dust bin size: .6L | Dimensions: 12.8" x 12.8" x 2.8" | Noise level: 55 dBA | Compatibility: Google/Alexa
Slim profile to fit under furniture
Very quiet operation
Works with both a remote and via app
Able to automatically adjust suction power
Ccmes with boundary setting strips
No smart mapping
Are you still working from home? Well, we can't have a noisy vacuum disrupting your workday, or worse, an important work call. The eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C MAX operates at a quiet rhythm of about 55 dBa, which is about the same volume as an electric toothbrush while providing a beefy 2000pa in suction power.
Design and Technical Features
Using BoostIQ, the robotic vacuum will automatically increase suction power within 1.5 seconds when extra vacuuming strength is needed, such as when moving from hard floors to carpets.
It's also incredibly slim to slide under low-profile sofas and beds.
Final thoughts
At this price point, the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C does lack smart mapping and operates in a random pattern. However, it is controllable with both a remote and an app. The large .6L dustbin allows is amply sized to accommodate up to 100 minutes of cleaning without having to empty the dustbin.
8. Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum with Object Recognition
Best robot vacuum for home security
Dust bin size: Set 0.4L/Station 2.5L | Dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 3.9 | Loudness dB: TBC | Compatibility: Alexa/Google Assistant enabled
Eye-catching design
Jet Live Home Monitoring
Uses 3D and LiDAR sensors to navigate your home and AI Object Recognition technology
Ability to set no-go zones
Clean Station for hygenic, no-touch emptying
Pricey
With so many robot vacuum cleaners now available, brands are working extra hard to get noticed with clever features and Samsung has made itself a noteworthy contender with its latest robot vacuum upgrade, Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum. It has the ability to recognize objects from shoes to cords and pet accidents and tell you what and where they were. It feels like no detail has been overlooked.
Design and Technical Features
Perhaps, the real star is its built-in camera that streams live video (dubbed Jet Live) to your app when it cleans, or when you need to check on what's going on at home. Your own, very unexpected security system, controlled by the Jet Bot app, or the Samsung Smart Things app.
Another feature we love is the Clean Station self-emptying bin integration that cuts down on how often we'll have to deal with emptying the 4L bin.
The vacuum adjusts suction power by identifying the type of surface and amount of dust, and the high-efficiency brush uses fine, anti-static fibers and self-cleans to avoid tangles around the brush while Jet Cyclone power pulls dust and debris fully into the dustbin and reduces potential clogs.
Final thoughts
For a $1,300 vacuum, we have high standards for cleaning performance, which the Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum scores high marks for too. If you're a tech-forward person who wants all the bells and whistles possible on a robot vacuum, well, the Jet Bot AI+ is sure to impress.
Black Friday robot vacuum cleaner deals
Though we're a few weeks away, we have Black Friday deals on our minds, and we're sharing our top deals for those who want to snag a bargain ahead of the biggest shopping period.
iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum| $799 $599 at Amazon (save $200)
The iRobot j7+ will help you reclaim your time from cleaning with its incredible vacuuming performance, navigation, and obstacle detection. It also easily blends into your decor with a stylish self-emptying base that can hold up to 60 days' worth of dirt. For more details, read our iRobot Roomba j7+ review. View Deal
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550) Robot Vacuum with Automatic Dirt Disposal| $999.99 $799 at Amazon (save $200.99)
Or go after iRobot's top-of-the-line s9 model, which is a bona fide beast on carpets and offers 40x the suction power, compared to the 600 series. (For comparison, the j7+ above offers 10x the suction power.) The D-shape design is unique from other iRobot models with a specially designed Corner Brush to optimize cleaning deep into corners and along edges and uses 3D sensors to detect and avoid obstacles. View Deal
Shark AV911S EZ Robot Vacuum with Self-Empty Base | $499.99 $299.99 at Amazon
With $200 in savings, the Shark EZ Roboto Vac with a self-empty base is practically paying you to do as little as possible. Schedule it within the included app, watch it clean in neat, organized rows, and you won't have to empty the dustbin for 30 days. View Deal
Shark AI Ultra 2in1 Robot Vacuum & Mop| $699.99 $499.60 with code ROBOT200 at Shark
Shark's newest robot release offers both vacuum and mopping capability, with new cleaning features like Matrix Clean navigation, which covers multiple angles to make sure no spots are missed, CleanEdge Technology for better edge cleaning that used blasts of air and corner recognition to remove debris from edges, and UltraMop for deeper floor scrubbing to remove stains.
Neato D8 Intelligent Robot Vacuum Cleaner| $399.99 $229.99 at Amazon
The Neato D8 is another one of our top-rated vacs, especially when it comes to getting into corners, and is presently at the lowest price we've seen. The Neato uses laser smart mapping to navigate around your home and to create no-go zones for sensitive areas. It can cover up to 750 square feet on a single chargeView Deal
Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base $599.99 $299.99
For those who have always dreamed of leaving the cleaning to technology, check out Shark's wifi-enabled robotic vacuum, which is just under half-off. It's packed with smart features like IQ Navigation, Home Mapping, a Self-Cleaning Brushroll, and compatibility with Alexa. It's also self-emptying, with the ability to hold up to 45 days worth of dirt. So easy! View Deal
Bissell SpinWave Hard Floor Expert Pet Robot, 2-in-1 Wet Mop and Dry Robot Vacuum| $399.99 $247.49 at Amazon
The invention of a robot vac that can also mop at the same time may just be one of the best creations of all time! It cuts down on all the work you don't want to do and does it in just half the time. The Bissell SpinWave will revolutionize your floor cleaning routine. The triple-action cleaning system utilizes dual spinning edge brushes, a rotating brush roll, and powerful suction. When you add on the mopping power, rotating mop pads scrub and clean your hard floors.View Deal
eufy by Anker, BoostIQ RoboVac 15C MAX, Wi-Fi Connected Robot Vacuum | $249.99 $159.99 at Amazon
You'd be missing out if you didn't jump on this deal. This super-slim, powerful robot vac has been designed with a 3-point cleaning system, BoostIQ technology, and up to 2000Pa* of suction power to ensure your floors and carpets are clear of all dirt, dust, and crumbs. With WiFi, it can be left to its own devices and controlled on your smartphone.View Deal
SAMSUNG Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner: $1299 $799 at Amazon (save $500)
One of the most sophisticated vacuums on the market, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ has an onboard camera and object recognition that can show you what the vacuum sees in real time, or use it to check on your home when you're not there. It also has an Intelligent Cleaning system, Clean Station, 5-Layer Filtration and tons of other premium features. View Deal
How we choose the best robot vacuum cleaners
At Homes & Gardens, and all the other Homes titles at Future, we like to get hands-on experience with each of the products we test before including them in our buyers' guides, which you can discover more about in our guide to how we test. This means that we can share our experiences and answer any questions which may be holding you back before committing to making a purchase.
We test all types of vacuum cleaners to help you find the most suitable option for your home. Each model we have the opportunity to review undergoes rigorous testing on a range of flooring from hardwood to deep pile and laminate which is what you would find in most homes.
Many of the robot vacuums featured here have all been tested in the same way in our own homes for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so they are faced with real-life hurdles and we consider factors such as ease of use, quality of the clean, run-time, emptying of the dust bin and general controls have all been considered against the price tag for what it is exactly you get for your money.
If the vacuum is unranked, we're still working to get our hands on a sample, or may even be in the midst of testing it out. For these instances, we've researched and, perused through hundreds of reviews, and deep-dive into their design, special qualities, and who they may suit best.
What to know about robot vacuum cleaners
With models available from $100 to $1,500, choosing how much you want to spend is key, and while automatic dustbin emptying and Alexa compatibility are convenient it doesn’t necessarily mean cleaner floors.
As a rule, spend as much as you can, but look out for features that are useful for your home. Robot vacuums work best on hard floors, so if you have a deep pile you’ll need a model with extra suction power.
Scheduling features are also essential – generally set via a smartphone app, but onboard controls are available on cheaper non-Wi-Fi models – meaning the cleaner will work when it’s convenient to you. If you or a family member suffer from allergies, we’d suggest you look for designs with a HEPA (or similar) filter that’s washable to trap allergens.
Are robot vacuum cleaners worth it?
A good robot vacuum is an investment, and we would suggest avoiding anything under $300/£300 as anything less tends to be more robot floor sweeper than an intelligent cleaner.
Our best buy costs up to $1,300 (or £1,300) which is a lot, but you will notice the difference.
Remember to factor in that you'll also need a traditional vacuum cleaner - or the best vacuum for pet hair- as no matter how good they become, robot vacuums can’t clean the stairs or the car. Are they worth it? If you have pets, they’re especially useful as they help control the hair and dander, for everyone else, choose wisely and you’ll have one less daily chore to do.
Do robot vacuum cleaners really work and clean properly?
While robot vacuums can easily navigate around a room, they’re no match for a shoelace or a pile of LEGO. If you remember to pick obstacles off the floor before you leave for work, you will come back to a much cleaner house. And the beauty is, it will clean every day, without complaining.
Robot vacuums work best doing routine cleaning and aren't as effective at quick cleans up or spot cleaning. You'll still want to have a vacuum, both cordless and corded models work, on hand for picking up larger pieces of debris, getting into nooks and crannies, and cleaning stairs.
Those models with built-in mops can also remove light surface stains on hard floors, but it’s the equivalent of a wipe with a microfiber cloth rather than a deep clean.
What is the best robot vacuum cleaner?
To recap... the best robot vacuum cleaner you can buy is the iRobot Roomba j7+. We've tried it, tested it, and absolutely loved it enough to award it five out of five stars.
The j7+ is the most stylish Roomba to date and performs like a dream, too. As it moves from hard floors to carpet the suction increases automatically for a deeper, more powerful clean. And it also has a high-quality air filtration system to help prevent dust particles and allergens from being returned to the room. It does this all on its own and is certainly one that we couldn't live without...
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