It managed 36% on low-pile and 47% on midpile carpets. Its performance on carpets was disappointing though. With 95% sand removal, the Neato Botvac D7 still reigns supreme on that test. On hardwood floors this Roomba picked up an average of 93% of our test sand, the second-highest amount in our test group. For that staggering amount of money, this robotic vacuum delivers powerful suction and superb dirt and dust removal.

That said, the iRobot Roomba S9 Plus has a whopping price tag: $1,100 (though sometimes it's discounted). Roomba vacuums are extremely popular, and this is my pick for the best Roomba of them all. If someone gave you a blank check and told you to buy the best robot vacuum, this would be the robot vac to get. None of these machines can truly replace a mop and human exertion on a hard floor that's truly dirty, so think of them as day-to-day maintenance bots that elevate the baseline cleanliness of your home. That includes those self-emptying dustbins, the ability to map multiple rooms and floor plans, powerful cleaning and suction power and thoughtfully designed hardware. While you don't have to spend that much, you do get a lot in return at those higher price tiers. Self-emptying robot vacuum demand is also on the rise, so there are newer models where you have to clear debris from the bin even less of the time.Īs cool as they are, robot vacs can set you back more than a traditional vacuum: Some higher-end models cost as much as four figures. Even better, if you tuck the charging dock in an out-of-the-way space, you'll only have to think about your robot vacuum when you clean its brushes and empty it - you just have automatic dirt disposal and a clean floor. Robot vacuums are versatile, too: Depending on the cleaning mode, they can keep hardwood floors, tile floors, area rugs and carpets spick-and-span with powerful suction that, in some cases, rivals that of upright vacuums. Robot cleaners are becoming a smart home staple, with some robotic vacuum brands introducing robot mop models as well. If you're having trouble justifying the cost of a robot vacuum to keep your home tidy, or you're not sure if you're ready to replace a perfectly good upright vacuum or cordless model, know that these machines have suction power that will pick up even small bits of debris like cat litter and dust bunnies. Now they're real, everyday appliances that can take charge of your housekeeping and many boast features including sophisticated sensors, lasers, CPUs and AI-enhanced software. It used to be that robot vacuums were only found in Jetsons-like midcentury dream homes or the pages of science fiction.

Best vacuum robot