Best Overall
iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550)
Runner-up
iRobot Roomba i3 (3150)
Best Bang for the Buck
iRobot Roomba 694
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Whether you ’re bet to mop the floor or liftpet hairfrom the carpet , there are robot vacuum cleaners that avail tackle a large number of household cleaning job . However , when it fare to new engineering like a golem vacuum , there can be a raft of options .
Roomba robot vacancy , made by iRobot , are a well - acknowledge name in deal - free cleaners . The Roomba product line come in a variety of low buteffective automaton vacuumswith smart lineament such as household mapping , as well as ascendance integrations through app , Wi - Fi , and voice .
Since iRobot has several poser , it can be difficult to choose the best Roomba to suit your needs . Sometimes a hands - on run is a helpful way to genuinely know what work in a home , so we prove some of the most popular models in a home environment to discover out which ones are the best . Keep reading to learn about some of the primal consideration when take a Roomba , and see our hands - on evaluation outcome later in this clause .
How We Chose the Best Roombas
We tested many of the newest Roomba products from iRobot , including six robot vacuums and one robot mop . We used actual - liveliness situations to examine the robots ’ rhythm and monitor their ability to navigate common obstacle , from cords to furniture .
To create additional metrics , we try each against simulated “ dust ” in the form of pitter-patter flour and “ crumbs ” by agency of uncooked rice on punishing floors . We also tested the relaxation of setup , charging , and performance to determine how prosperous or difficult each Cartesian product is to use . While we rated each robot in the same category of usability , we considered how they pile up against the honest-to-goodness method acting of manual cleanup as well .
Our Top Picks
The best Roomba robot vacuums offer up enough suction power and impudent capabilities to meet the needs of the users . Whether you ’re count for a crumb finder or a preferent - hair attacker , the hands - on examination outcome of these automaton vacuums can help oneself shopper pick the dependable Roomba for their needs . We tested these models in a home to see how they deal with real dirt , favorite tomentum , and debris as well as simulated junk ( in the form of flour ) and heavy crumbs ( rice ) to put the automaton vacuums through their step . Here ’s how they did in actual - sprightliness situations .
The first automatonlike vacuum that ranked high in our testing has standard features such as iRobot ’s three - degree cleansing organization and poop demodulator sensors paired with advanced suck power and smart navigation . equate with earlier models , such as the 600 series , the Roomba i7 + has 10 clock time the sucking power and it can hold up up to 60 day ’ worth of contents . Once it ’s empty and charged , it will maneuver out to clean some more until the business is done .
The impertinent navigation system on this Roomba i7 + pick up the layout of a home , coordinates no - go zone , and work up smart maps so substance abuser can create and automate their cleanup schedule . computer programing druthers can be done through the iRobot Home app and through vocalization prompts with Alexa or Google Assistant . We could see a map generated almost forthwith , even after just a 5 - hour test ladder .
For house with favorite dander and shedded pelt , a three-fold multisurface gum elastic brush allows for easy release of fuzz to avoid tangling , while a high - efficiency filter immobilise 99 percent of dander and other common allergens . A recharge and sum up feature film mechanically spark this Roomba i7 + after about 90 min of bombardment use . It comes lade with filter and dust bags for the alkali , plus replacements for each . It also has additional brush .
Get the iRobot Roomba i7 + vacuum atAmazon .
Like the i7 , the Roomba i3 has 10 times the power of the 600 series and coordinates with the iRobot app . The main difference is that this unit does n’t map specific sphere , so it wo n’t be able to recognize dissimilar zone . We found that it still takes orders via the app , and will houseclean ( or return to rest home base ) with the sense of touch of a push .
Users can set a schedule through the app and track where the Roomba i3 has clean or expend voice control to turn it on or off . detector technology help the Roomba forefend obtain stuck , and filth - detector sensors simplify clean up messes . This Roomba i3 is also large for removing cat and hound hair , thanks to its multisurface rubber brushing and high - efficiency filter . In examination , we find it did a good line handling obstacles like chairman leg and ottomans .
Through the troupe ’s Imprint Link applied science , the iRobot Roomba i3 co-ordinate with the Braava Jet M6 robot mop so substance abuser can hoover and then mop in chronological sequence . When it ’s go low on battery — after about 75 bit of battery life — the Roomba i3 will automatically recharge and then resume cleaning .
Get the iRobot Roomba i3 vacuum atAmazon .
Photo: Anne Holub
Coordination with the iRobot app give up users some typically eminent - end features such as online scheduling and voice activation with Alexa or Google Assistant . Though the 694 has humble suction than other more advanced models , it is one of the most low-priced golem vacuum . Its three - level cleaning system and multisurface brush lift dirt expeditiously , while an boundary - sweeping brush tackles corner and bound .
This selection for the best budget automatonlike vacuum does n’t come with mapping capabilities , although adaptive navigation keeps it from bumping into piece of furniture or pass down steps . Dirt - detecting sensors allow for more exhaustive cleanup . A quieter runner than others we test , it might be a groovy plectron for spaces or situations where a not - so - loud robot cleaner is needed .
The 694 is idealistic for smaller areas and will work out easily in rooms without smother . An auto - adjust cleaning head helps the building block transition easily between low - chain reactor rug , average - pile carpet , hardwood floor , and nude story . It can run for up to 90 minutes before mechanically recharge , but it will need to be reset before its next run .
Photo: Anne Holub
Get the iRobot Roomba 694 vacuum atAmazonandBest Buy .
Best for Smart Mapping
iRobot Roomba 981
This Roomba is n’t going to gain any awards for quiet operation , but it sure can cleanse up dirt ! It cleaned our flour “ dust ” on the first pass and easily sucked up flour out of crevices between floorboards , where other robot vacuums left it . It has the power to vault over raised thresholds and automatically finds mellow traffic / high grunge areas where it should spend more clock time .
This unit actively bewitch thou of measurements to identify unlike way and areas of the domicile . Once the habitation is mapped , users can use the app , Google Assistant , Alexa , or voice control to steer the social unit to specific surface area and cleaning tasks while also avoiding keep - out zones . It hoover in neat row using floor - tracking sensing element to navigate and scandal - find detector to clean up junk and debris . To accomplish this , the Roomba use Adapt 2.0 Navigation with optical location .
The suction on this whole is 10 prison term higher than modelling in the 600 series and can be mechanically increased to strip deep into carpets . The 981 Roomba machinelike vacuum cleans with pet - favorable characteristic , including multisurface brushes and power - lifting suck with five meter the breeze big businessman of traditional vacuum . It will lead for about 75 minutes before returning to the turn on dock to power up and then resume cleaning . It will also link up with a Braava Jet M6 robot mop and tell it to go swab once it ’s done vacuuming .
Photo: walmart.com
Get the iRobot Roomba 981 vacuum atBest Buy .
Best for Pet Hair
iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020)
If casual preferent - hair vacuuming is a tussle , regard this option we screen in a house with dogs . The iRobot Roomba s9 + is one of the newest models from the brand and among the priciest , but its climb make it super efficient for deary - loving households . A three - microscope stage cleaning organisation delivers 40 multiplication the suction charge per unit of the Roomba 600 series , and its new D - mold trunk optimize cleaning edge and corner . For deep carpet cleanup , it will automatically increase its suction . When the dustbin is full , the unit will chuck out of its contents in the include automatic grime disposal base . Its hand - off , corner cleaning , self - emptying features make it a quality pick if doing one more liberty chit for dog and cat haircloth tumbleweeds work rip .
This robot have the company ’s smart map applied science and sensors that are made to rake beforehand at a rate of 25 times per second to discover obstacle in its route . This bundle comes with an extra border - sweeping brush and a filter to keep up in homes with the most pet hair . void rent the Roomba jostle the piddle bowls in the corner ( and create more mess ) by show a “ keep - out zone ” for areas that do n’t need to be tackled . Or tell it to ensure to do extra cleaning with a bonus cycle to grab tracked - in sens and dirt in the foyer using a representative - activate cycle via the app .
Get the iRobot Roomba s9 + vacuum atBest Buy .
Photo: amazon.com
While this one is n’t exactly a Roomba , it ’s sure enough in the family and it pairs well with certain fresh models from iRobot ’s unchanging of vacuum golem . mean for use on hardwood , tile , or Edward Durell Stone floor , the M6 is perfect for cleaning wasteweir , pet waste material , and other messes . Similar to iRobot ’s vacuum , the automated M6 mop feature smart map and coordinated app control . Users can pair the app to voice - control equipment to direct the bot to quickly clean up specified area . Sensors permit it to well pilot obstacles and avoid stairs .
In examination we found this mop did a mickle of overlapping rows to clean across floors ( taking up a wad of time and battery life ) , and there was some streaking left behind by the fluid ( and little robot mop treads ) . Since iRobot ’s cleanup fluid and clear pads necessitate to be purchased regularly , these detail need to factor into the budget .
For a true helping hand - off cleaning experience , this bot can connect to select Roomba models to mechanically spark mop after a vacuum cycle . It come with dry- sweeping as well as wet - mopping pads . The golem will mechanically adapt its cleansing cps to whichever character pad is attach .
Photo: amazon.com
ware Specs
Get the iRobot Braava Jet M6 vacuum cleaner atAmazonandBest Buy .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Roomba
One cracking thing about Roomba vacuumss is that there ’s a model to suit almost every size home and budget . Because of the chain of mountains , options will vary in each ware ’s smart features , sucking force , battery life , and cleaning capabilities . When selectingthe best Roomba for your want , consider your cleansing goals and review these common shopping circumstance .
Navigation and Mapping
All Roombas include obstruction sensing element , and they can detect area with dirt and debris . gamey - remainder models will have more forward-looking sailing and single-valued function arrangement and some can map an entire place , which can then be used to particularize cleaning areas through a downloadable app . While all of them have the power to respond to virtual bulwark barriers , the company offers an extra gadget call theDual Mode Virtual Wallthat can create the virtual barrier to fencing in a Roomba .
exploiter can give specific areas names such as “ living way ” or “ kitchen ” for tradition schedules and voice activation . For instance , if there are puke under the kitchen board , user can tell their Roomba to “ cleanse under the kitchen tabular array . ” expanse of the home where tike or pet might be playing can be gear up as “ off - limits ” areas . The vacuum ’s “ clean-living map reports ” allow the user to see where the Roomba cleaned and for how long .
Smart Capabilities
map is just one of the Roomba ’s many smart capabilities . The iRobot Home app lets owner have complete control condition over their cleaning schedule and preferences at once from their smartphone or tablet . Users can aerate their Roomba while away from home or schedule it to start cleaning at a specified time .
The Roomba app will also lumber the machine ’s cleansing history so user can keep running of which areas have been vacuum-clean . To use the commodious part - activating feature , most models are compatible with Alexa or Google Home . As a bonus , some models can also be tie in with iRobot ’s smart mops for unified cleaning .
Roombas all come equipped with a ego - rouse lineament , so when they are humbled on barrage power , these smart machine will render to their charging stations . Some let in a “ recharge and resume ” feature of speech so that the twist can continue pick where it leave off , but others will have to be reset to cleaning musical mode .
Photo: amazon.com
The most advance model may let in automatic dirt disposal . The company ’s “ clean base ” feature captures the contentedness of the trash barrel when the Roomba devolve to the charging sour grass .
Suction Power
All iRobot robot vacuums use a three - degree cleanup system to undo , lift , and suction malicious gossip and debris ; however , the power will depart depending on the Roomba . high - end modeling have the greatest amount of sucking power . For instance , the i7 has 10 meter the suction great power of the 600 series ; therefore , substance abuser look for a powerful clean and jerk may want to pick out a role model with this in mind .
A Roomba , however , wo n’t match the power of or replace astandard vacuity . The suction major power does n’t stand up to these large twist , and the collected debris is pulled into a modest intimate bin with limited dustbin capacity .
Cleaning Pattern
Since most elbow room have furniture and objects scatter throughout , the good robot vacuums are able to internally represent and adjust the cleanup practice consequently . Roombas that let in camera and function will get to sleep with the surroundings and potential obstacle , then utilize that data to create adaptive cleaning patterns . Those without cameras and smart mapping rely on sensors to sense their way around , moving in nifty quarrel for cleaning .
Roombas use “ soil observe ” technology to focus their cleaning try , so a unit may pass longer in one area until the sensing element observe fewer particles . Models will have depart placement of the sensors and will therefore move otherwise . Robots that have the sensors in the rear will move back and forth when detect dirt , while those with only front ones may move in a more orbitual pattern .
Most robot vacuums are equipped with multiroom cleanup feature , which provide the equipment to cleanse in zone versus one elbow room at a time . An “ boundary cleaning ” way ensure debris and detritus are pick up along the perimeter and around furniture . Some machine will also include app - controlled customs duty cleaning preference , which allow the exploiter to adjust cleanup mode , power preferences , number of cleansing pass , and edge cleaning .
Photo: amazon.com
Floor Surface
Most automaton vacuums are made to suit certain surfaces better than others . Overall , however , Roomba robot vacuums tend to be most effective in uncluttered areas on self-colored surfacing or on low- to average - quite a little rug .
Shag and other high - pile rugs may have too gamy a threshold for the robot to turn over over , or the fibers could clog the brush . Many Roombas will easily transition from carpeting to solid floor such ashardwoodsor tile ; however , shoppers who have buddy-buddy carpeting may want to choose options with high sucking , a large dustbin , and a longer stamp battery life . Some modeling will even feature an automated high sucking set fordeep cleaning carpet .
Some models will work more in effect with sorry floor , most in all probability due to the cliff sensors mistake the dark for a drop - off . For hard surfaces , the society also manufacturesmopping robotsthat also admit overbold feature to work in conjunction with their vacuuming twin .
Photo: Anne Holub
Battery Life
Similar to other cordless vacuums , the best golem vacuums have depart runtimes that depend on the battery life . The electric battery life will generally range from 60 minute with more basic variation to about 120 minutes at the higher death . Those who need their Roomba to cover more square footage may prefer a framework with a longer battery life , or perhaps two robots to cover unlike zone or floors .
The ego - charging feature makes it easy to recharge the battery once it gets down . For the ultimate hands - off experience , consider a model with a “ recharge and resume ” feature .
Additional Features
There are some fillip features to moot when selecting the model well suited to your cleaning needs . A tangle - free roller is especially ready to hand for those with pets , as its extractors move up pet hair and other rubble without it getting caught in the Roomba ’s brushes . Another good extra for family with favourite or those sensitive to allergens is a in high spirits - efficiency filter that can enamor dander , pollen , dust bunnies , and other tiny particles .
Most robot vacuums also have the fringe benefit of the compact size and low height for picking up debris underneath article of furniture . For those sensible to noise , Roombas are broadly placid to operate than most standard vacuums . The gaudy models top out around 70 decibels , which is just slightly louder than the average conversation .
Hybrid Models
To get the best of both golem worlds , there are bundles of void and mopping robot devices that can lecture to each other . adjust the robot vacuum to bump off all the dust and dirt ( and pet hair ) , then a automaton mop can wash the floor . It may take a while to complete both steps , but it ’s manageable either on a scheduled clean and jerk or with the push of a few buttons on the app .
Some of the higher - last Roombas also include intelligent features that give up the vacuum to “ mouth ” to the golem swob , let a tag - team attack to houseclean . merely apply your voice ( such as with Alexa or Google Assistant ) or the app to arrange the cleaning couple .
Keep-Out Zones
Many homes have area that are n’t always quick for a vacuum cleaner to roll through . Roombas have customizable keep - out zone , so users can create spots where the automaton vacuum knows not to venture . This might think staying clear of an area of Byzantine cord under a desk , a playroom ’s toy zona , or the wienerwurst ’s water bowl .
After setting up a keep - out geographical zone with the iRobot app , the robot will guide clear of these rectangular areas no matter what clean round is select . The steel ’s extra machine ( foretell theDual Mode Virtual Wall ) can also create virtual barriers to fence in a Roomba .
FAQs
Now that you ’ve learned the difference among a variety of Roomba models , you may be wondering if you could run two at the same metre or if your robot vacuum can work in the night . detect out the answers to these and other commonly asked golem vacuum FAQs below .
Q: How do Roombas work with rugs?
Roombas run well with low- to medium - pile carpet . The higher the suction top executive , the more efficient the Roomba will be on rugs . Keep in head that deep carpet cleaning may also drain the battery faster than apply on solid open .
Q: Can I use two Roombas at the same time?
Using two Roombas at the same time is not only possible but can be very handy when cleaning two floor areas . For use on the same floor , smart single-valued function will make it easier to send your robots to unlike zones . Users can associate up to 10 robot in the iRobot Home app .
Q: Can Roombas go over thresholds?
The maximum stature of a doorstep that all Roomba models can transition over while cleanup is ⅝-inch or 1.6 centimeters . in high spirits thresholds may create irregular route and could tip over robot cognitive operation dependability if the machine is stick .
Q: Can Roombas work in the dark?
Roombas with camera will not form efficiently in the dark . Certain models that habituate sensors rather of photographic camera to get around ( like the i3 ) can pilot without any visible radiation .
Q: How do I reset a Roomba?
To reset a Roomba i and 900 serial , press and hold the “ sporting ” clit on the robot for 10 to 20 seconds depending on the model . For the 600 and e series , pressing and hold the “ household ” and “ spot clean ” buttons for 10 seconds .
Q: What are some disadvantages when using Roombas?
paw - off cleaning can make problems when a Roomba encounters something it should n’t roll over , like cords or fauna wastefulness . In addition , besides the initial cost , some Roombas command ongoing cost in the material body of cleaning pads and fluid for the mops and ashcan evacuation bags for the + models .
Q: How do you clean a Roomba?
The owner ’s manual for each twist distinctly outlines how to execute even maintenance like cleaning cameras and emptying dustbins . Via the app , Roombas also will inform users when and how to do other maintenance such as removing , cleansing , or replacing roller or brushes .
Q: Can Roombas clean corners?
Yes , with the help of the wholesale brush on the edge of a Roomba , the round gadget can get dirt out of corner . One of the New design , the i9 Roomba , comes in a ergocalciferol - shape with a flat edge that smartly tracks into corners to get even more dirt .
Q: Are Roombas loud?
Still a emptiness , a Roomba can be considered loud . They can be bully to operate while you ’re away from domicile . In some situation , you may be able to launch the machine without disturbing sopor if you ’re not near the twist ( like on another flooring ) .
Q: How do you properly recycle an old Roomba?
At the end of its life story , a Roomba stamp battery or the entire machine can be safely recycled through local electronics / battery recycling political platform or throughRoomba ’s recycling partnersin the U.S. and around the world .
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