Top 10 Best Robot Vacuums
Robotic vacuum cleaner is an automatic vacuum cleaner with intelligent programming to clean without external human help once it is set up and charged.
It has spinning brush system to reach the tight corners and some features mopping, UV sterilisation dusting pads for extra shine and more. It’s not only good for vacuuming.
The first robotic cleaner put into service was Electrolux Trilobite in 1997. Since 2002 many new variations of robovac have come and have become quite common household appliance.
What to Look for in Robot Vacuum
Before proceeding to buy a robotic vacuum cleaner be clear on your need, whether you need a simple dust clean robovac or a multi specialty one with scheduler, memory, dust detector sensors, infrared guided virtual wall and other features. Here are some key features you need to consider in choosing a robotic vacuum cleaner.
- Power and performance – different models have different charging needs and useful battery life. So check the power and performance rating to ensure quality usage and long usable life.
- Transition and stair detection ability – robot vacuum cleaners work best on hard floorings. However, some are adaptable to transit from hard to soft flooring, carpets or rugs. Some have sensors to detect edge of floor and turn around at that point to avoid falling off stairs.
- Cleaning coverage and dirt detection – Some models randomly clean the floors while some have intelligent systems to clean each corner of the floor. Some models are even able to detect that the floor is dirty. Others come with room to room navigation and virtual wall or magnetic borders to limit the area.
- Dust-bin size – all models do not have the same dust bin size and it’s more convenient to have a robot with a larger bin. Check how easy it is to remove the bin from the unit, as it will have to be emptied often.
- Maintenance and replacement parts – Maintenance is key to vacuum cleaner to keep it performing well. Always compare service and warranties. Ensure you have a source for replacement brushes and filters. Rechargeable batteries would also need to be replaced depending on the frequency of use, there is a limited charge-recharge cycle and rechargeable batteries become less efficient in holding charge over time.
Top 10 Best Robot Vacuums
Let’s look at the 10 best robot vacuums in the market [est. run time]:
UPDATE: iRobot Roomba 960
- Neato Robotics XV Signature Robot Vacuum – 45 mins
- Freetime R8803 Robot Vacuum Cleaner – 50 mins
- iRobot Roomba 620 Vacuum Cleaning Robot – 120 mins
- Robot Vacuum Cleaner XR Advanced Vacuum Cleaning Robot – 75 mins
- iRobot Roomba 780 Vacuum Cleaning Robot – 220 mins
- iRoboVAC XD Robot Vacuum Cleaner – 120 mins
- iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Clearning Robot – 120 mins
- Vileda Cleaning Robot – 80 mins
- Neato Robotics Botvac 85 Robot Vacuum – 45 mins
- Ariete Briciola Robotic Vacuum Cleaner – 90 mins
We have prepared a quick comparison table at the bottom of this article but now for a closer look at the details.
iRobot Roomba 960
The iRobot Roomba 960 is not only smart and connected with WiFi connectivity, app support and multi-room coverage but is also an amazing performer with excellent suction and variable brush height setting to adapted automatically to floor type. The three stage cleaning system gives more cleaning power with a patented tangle free roller designed to pick up hair, pet fur and debris.
On a full charge it can work up to 75 minutes, returning to Home Base for charging and resume where it left off. Smart mapping lets the robot vacuum navigate the home, knowing where it has been and where else to clean. You can see a graphical plan of its travels, schedule cleaning, get alerts when the dirt bin is full and monitor its status using the iRobot HOME app.
Neato Robotics XV Signature Robot Vacuum
Notable features
- High-performance filter captures and traps more fine dust and allergens.
- Patented laser-guided technology scans, plans, and methodically cleans, automatically moving from room to room.
- Return to base: Automatically goes back to charge base, then returns to where it left off.
- Magnetic strip for boundary marker
- Bigger brush, filter and dirt bin
Suitable surfaces: hard floor and carpet
Charging time: 20 minutes (customer review)
Runtime between charge: up to 45 minutes (customer review)
Dimensions and Weight: Height 10.2 cm, Width 33.0 cm, Length 31.8 cm, 3.9 kg
At a glance: scheduling | multi-room cleaning | spot cleaning | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance
Also see: Neato Robotics XV Signature Pro great for pet owners.
Freetime R8803 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Notable features
- Easy to use due to automated cleaning pattern (Bump and turn).
- Edge cleaning brushes help clean the whole room.
- Step avoidance sensors protect the robot against falling off stairs.
- Low profile design allows the machine to clean under furniture.
- Dusting pad for extra shine finish.
Suitable surfaces: hard floor only: hardwoods, tiles, laminates, marble, vinyl and linoleum. Does not work on carpet or rug.
Charging time: 4 hours
Runtime between charge: up to 50 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: L: 30cm x W: 25 x H: 7.5cm , 1.5 kg
At a glance: steps avoidance | no docking base | no charger | not suitable for carpets or rugs
iRobot Roomba 620 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
Notable features
- Intelligent navigation with iAdapt Responsive Cleaning Technology
- Uses a patented, three-stage cleaning system
- Automatically recharges
- Uses acoustic sensors to detect small particles and focus cleaning
- Automatically senses and avoids stairs and other drop-offs
- Designed to handle pet fur, hair and other fibers
Suitable surfaces: hard floor (hardwood, tile, lino) and carpet
Charging time: 2 hours (customer review)
Runtime between charge: up to 120 minutes hard floor and less on rugs
Dimensions and Weight: Diameter (cm) Ø 34, height 9.2 , 3.6 kg
At a glance: self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | spot cleaning | steps avoidance
Also available: iRobot 82204 Roomba Remote
Robot Vacuum Cleaner XR Advanced Vacuum Cleaning Robot
Notable features
- Automatically docks when charge is low.
- Includes infrared virtual wall to block unwanted areas.
- UV lamp to kill bacteria when cleaning.
- Mop attachment included for kitchen floor.
- Remote control, 1 spare filter and 2 spare side brushes also included.
Suitable surfaces: hard floor (hardwood, tile, lino) and carpet. NOT suitable for black coloured carpet, long pile or heavy shag carpet as it is raised 22mm from the ground
Charging time: 3 hours
Runtime between charge: 75 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: Diameter: 320 x H: 87 (mm), Virtual Wall 130 x 110 x 95mm, Wall charger unit 305 x 85 x 110mm.
At a glance: self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance | remote control | includes virtual wall
iRobot Roomba 780 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
How is this different from the 600 series above, the Roomba 780 has:
- HEPA filter to trap dirt, particulates and allergens before air is released from the unit,
- Detects dirt and persistent pass with optical and acoustic sensors for large and small particles,
- Room to room navigation, or limit with virtual wall lighthouses included to prioritise cleaning in certain rooms.
- It uses Patented 3-stage cleaning.
- Power management software allows it to operate with 50% longer battery life.
- Infrared remote included.
- Scheduled to perform up to 7 cleaning sessions per week.
Suitable surfaces: carpet, hardwood, tile and linoleum, picks up pet hair
Charging time: 3 hours
Runtime between charge: 220 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: H9.2 x Dia 35cm, 6.5 kg
At a glance: self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | spot cleaning | steps avoidance | infrared remote | 2 virtual wall lighthouses
iRoboVAC XD Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- Advanced schedule function – keep your floor clean when you are not in. The vacuum will auto charge when at low power.
- Complete with all required attachments and spare brushes
- Easy to take apart with the wheels and brushes being easily removable to clear out any blockages
- UV Lamp to eliminate bacteria
- Powerful suction 85litre per minute, quiet operation 85dB
- Bluetooth remote control, charging base, virtual wall included
- Mop attachment for kitchen floor
Suitable surfaces: wooden, tiled, linoleum and carpeted floors. Not suitable for long thread carpets or black carpets
Charging time: 3 hours
Runtime between charge: 2 hours – 120 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: Diameter 360mm Height 92mm, weight 3.5kg
At a glance: self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance | bluetooth remote | virtual wall | extra large dust bin 0.8 litre
iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
- Intelligent navigation with iAdapt Responsive Cleaning Technology.
- Patented 3 stage cleaning system
- Uses acoustic sensors to detect small particles and focus cleaning, remove dirt, debris and hair
- Automatically return to base for recharging and return to resume cleaning, scheduled cleaning programmes up to 7 times a week
- Automatically senses and avoids stairs and other drop-offs.
- Better handle pet fur, hair and other fibers
Suitable surfaces: Carpet, hardwood, tile and linoleum. Picks up pet hair.
Charging time: 2 hours (customer review)
Runtime between charge: up to 120 minutes, less time on rugs
Dimensions and Weight:43.2 x 12.7 x 45.7 cm 6.4 kg
At a glance: self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning |spot cleaning | steps avoidance | virtual wall
Vileda Cleaning Robot
- Manually recharged Cleaning Robot with intelligent navigation system.
- Vacuums and sweeps hard floors and short pile carpets.
- Side brushes to clean into corners and edges
- Dirt and dust collects in an easy empty washable container.
- Special sensors mean it can be used all around the house.
Suitable surfaces: Carpet, hardwood, tile and linoleum. Picks up hair
Charging time: 4-5 hours (customer review)
Runtime between charge: up to 80 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: 33 x 33 x 8 cm ; 3 Kg
At a glance: no self charging – no charging base | no scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance
Neato Robotics Botvac 85 Robot Vacuum
- Laser-guided navigation system scans and maps the room, plans, and methodically cleans-instead of just bumping around.
- Combines powerful suction with a blade brush, precise edge cleaning side brush, bagless bin, and extra-large filter.
- Automatically goes from room to room. When it needs more juice, it goes to its charging base then returns to where it left off.
- Control Centre-Easily schedule daily cleanings or just push a button for instant multi-room or spot cleaning.
- Comes with easy-to-swap heavy-duty blade brush, combo brush, and three high-performance filters.
Suitable surfaces: hard floor and carpet, suitable for home with pets and allergy sufferers
Charging time: 20 minutes (customer review)
Runtime between charge: up to 45 minutes (customer review)
Dimensions and Weight: Height 10.2 cm, Width 33.0 cm, Length 31.8 cm, 3.9 kg
At a glance: scheduling | multi-room cleaning | spot cleaning | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance | boundary marker
Ariete Briciola Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
- Stylish Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA filter
- Cordless and rechargeable
- Advanced anti-collision & anti-falling sensors
- Programmable cleaning cycle
- Returns to Charging Station when batteries are low
- Remote included
Suitable surfaces: hard floor and carpet
Charging time: 3.5 hours
Runtime between charge: up to 90 minutes
Dimensions and Weight: 340 x 94 mm, 3 kg
At a glance: scheduling | multi-room cleaning | scheduling programme | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance | remote control | 500ml dust bin
Our Line-up
Here is a look at the 10 best robot vacuums in the market again. For the most up to date prices, please click on the links below:
- Neato Robotics XV Signature Robot Vacuum
- Freetime R8803 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- iRobot Roomba 620 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
- Robot Vacuum Cleaner XR Advanced Vacuum Cleaning Robot
- iRobot Roomba 780 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
- iRoboVAC XD Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Clearning Robot
- Vileda Cleaning Robot
- Neato Robotics Botvac 85 Robot Vacuum
- Ariete Briciola Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Final Thoughts
Most if not all robot vacuum even the best and most expensive is not recommended for shag carpet, high pile carpet or rugs with tassels. These robot vacuums will work best with all types of hard floor, short pile carpet and rugs (unless stated otherwise). Cheaper models does have its limitations.
| 1. Neato Robotics XV Signature Robot Vacuum | scheduling | multi-room cleaning | spot cleaning | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance |
| 2. Freetime R8803 Robot Vacuum Cleaner | steps avoidance | no docking base | no charger | not suitable for carpets or rugs |
| 3. iRobot Roomba 620 Vacuum Cleaning Robot | self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | spot cleaning | steps avoidance |
| 4. Robot Vacuum Cleaner XR Advanced Vacuum Cleaning Robot | self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance | remote control | includes virtual wall |
| 5. iRobot Roomba 780 Vacuum Cleaning Robot | self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | spot cleaning | steps avoidance | infrared remote | 2 virtual wall lighthouses |
| 6. iRoboVAC XD Robot Vacuum Cleaner | self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance | bluetooth remote | virtual wall | extra large dust bin 0.8 litre |
| 7. iRobot Roomba 650 Vacuum Clearning Robot | self charging – back to base | scheduling | edge cleaning |spot cleaning | steps avoidance | virtual wall |
| 8. Vileda Cleaning Robot | no self charging – no charging base | no scheduling | edge cleaning | steps avoidance |
| 9. Neato Robotics Botvac 85 Robot Vacuum | scheduling | multi-room cleaning | spot cleaning | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance | boundary marker |
| 10. Ariete Briciola Robotic Vacuum Cleaner | scheduling | multi-room cleaning | scheduling programme | return to charge base and resume | steps avoidance | remote control | 500ml dust bin |
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