When it comes to keeping your home clean, a robot vacuum can be a fantastic option. These little cleaning warriors not only save you the hassle of vacuuming but also reach those hard-to-clean spots like under the couch or the bed. Choosing the right one, though, well, that's where things can get tricky.
You should consider a few things, like the layout of your home, the type of flooring you have, and how much you're willing to spend. Some robot vacuums are better at navigating multiple rooms and obstacles, while others are excellent at dealing with pet hair or transitioning between carpets and hard floors. Your budget will also play a significant role in what features are available to you.
The team at Finder has evaluated various robot vacuums from brands like eufy, iRobot, Bissell, and Electrolux to help you find the best option for you and your cleaning needs. We assessed options based on customer feedback and ratings as well as key product features.
The iRobot Roomba J7+ is arguably the best overall robot vacuum out there. Garnering a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on both Amazon and Harvey Norman, the Roomba J7+ is a genius in the true sense of the word.
Its iRobot Genius Technology, coupled with PrecisionVision Navigation, ensures that it avoids obstacles and keeps your home pristine, making the need to pick up before cleaning a thing of the past. The Imprint Smart Mapping feature allows you to schedule cleanings at your convenience, while the unit's compatibility with Google Home and Alexa lets you command it with just your voice.
It's smart enough to start cleaning when you leave and stop when you return, truly personalising your cleaning experience. Its exemplary 3-Stage Cleaning System attacks messes with ten times the Power-Lifting Suction, adapting to different floor types and pet hair without tangling.
However, the Roomba J7+ is a bit pricey, which might deter some potential buyers. Also, remember that it's not entirely self-sufficient, as it requires regular maintenance and occasional emptying of its bin.
How do Australians rate iRobot's vacuum cleaners?
90% of surveyed Australians recommend iRobot
3.9
Value for money
4.1
Overall
4.2
Performance
4.3
Ease of use
3.9
Cleaning and maintenance
3.9
Product features
How iRobot compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, iRobot was ranked 13th for value for money, 8th for performance, 8th for ease of use, 10th for cleaning and maintenance and 10th for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The iRobot Roomba J7+ is also our pick as the best robot vacuum cleaner and mop, boasting impressive features such as 10x the power-lifting suction compared to the Roomba 600 Series AeroVac system and a 3-stage cleaning system that effectively pulls in stubborn dirt and messes.
It handles visible dirt and pet hair with ease and is adept at managing allergens and dust that might escape the naked eye. What sets it apart is its innovative Reactive Sensor Technology that prevents it from getting stuck and a PrecisionVision Navigation system to identify and avoid obstacles like charging cables. Plus, the Dirt Detect Technology focuses on cleaning where needed most.
It also automatically empties its bin into the Clean Base for up to 60 days, making it incredibly low maintenance. User-friendly features like Google and Alexa voice assistant control and the iRobot HOME app for on-the-go connection, cleaning, and scheduling truly make it a fantastic option.
On Amazon and Harvey Norman, it's rated a spectacular 4.8 out of 5 stars, speaking volumes about its performance and user satisfaction. However, a couple of issues worth mentioning - despite its intelligent navigation, it occasionally might struggle with certain types of obstacles. Additionally, it could be a bit on the pricey side for some.
How do Australians rate iRobot's vacuum cleaners?
90% of surveyed Australians recommend iRobot
3.9
Value for money
4.1
Overall
4.2
Performance
4.3
Ease of use
3.9
Cleaning and maintenance
3.9
Product features
How iRobot compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, iRobot was ranked 13th for value for money, 8th for performance, 8th for ease of use, 10th for cleaning and maintenance and 10th for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
We recommend the Roborock S5 Max Robot Vacuum for managing pet hair, boasting a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 3,000 Amazon reviews.
With its strong 2000Pa suction and automatic carpet boost, this vacuum is optimal for all floor types, deftly handling the challenge of pet hair that lesser machines struggle with. The precise laser navigation and Z-shape cleaning path ensure thorough and efficient cleaning, even in rooms with a complex layout.
Plus, with the selective room cleaning feature, you can choose specific rooms or areas to be cleaned, saving time and energy. The electric water tank with a capacity of 290ml is controlled through an app and allows for customisable water flow for superior mopping capabilities.
Some said the 290ml electric water tank could be larger to accommodate heavy-duty cleaning sessions. And while the app-controlled water flow is a nifty feature, some users might find it a bit complicated to adjust to. All in all, these are minor setbacks in what is otherwise a stellar robot vacuum.
The eufy by Anker RoboVac 11S Max is our pick for the best budget option. With a 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon, there's a lot to appreciate about this little cleaning maestro.
Its sleek design, standing at just 72 mm, enables it to easily glide under furniture. Plus, the BoostIQ technology, which increases suction power in heavily soiled areas, is handy for keeping your floors pristine. Its quiet operation is comparable to a microwave, and a battery life of up to 100 minutes ensures a thorough clean.
The high-quality anti-scratch surface, made of glass, ensures both durability and aesthetic appeal. Equipped with smart infrared sensors for obstacles and modern fall sensors for safe cleaning, you can trust that this RoboVac will easily navigate your home. And the unibody filter makes maintenance a breeze.
However, it's important to consider a couple of potential downsides. Firstly, while the 11S Max does a fantastic job for its price point, it may not deliver the same level of efficiency as its higher-priced competitors. Additionally, the instruction manual is quite confusing, with some users reporting difficulties in setting up the device.
With a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online, we picked the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ as the best robot vacuum for cleaning carpets.
The AI-powered object recognition and integrated Clean Station make for a smooth and efficient cleaning process. The Jet Cyclone and high-efficiency brush work exceptionally well on carpets, getting deep into the fibres to remove even the most stubborn dirt. Furthermore, the Intelligent power control and voice recognition control adds convenience, making it easy for users to customise their cleaning experience.
However, it has a heavy price tag of $1899, which may be a bit steep for some potential buyers. Additionally, despite having a sophisticated five-layered filtration system and a LiDAR sensor, some users have reported that the 3D sensor can sometimes miss smaller objects.
That said, if you're seeking a high-end, intelligent vacuum cleaner that excels in carpet cleaning, the Jet Bot AI+ is worth considering.
How do Australians rate Samsung's vacuum cleaners?
90% of surveyed Australians recommend Samsung
4.1
Value for money
4.4
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Samsung compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, Samsung was ranked 8th for value for money, 5th for performance, 6th for ease of use, 3rd for cleaning and maintenance and 5th for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
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We recommend the Neato Botvac D85 Robotic Vacuum as the best choice for hardwood floors. It boasts a rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
It has LaserSmart technology, which scans and maps the room, plotting the most efficient cleaning path. Plus, its D-shape design allows it to reach corners and areas close to the walls that are typically hard to clean. It's also pet-friendly and comes equipped with a brush that's 50% larger than typical models, enhancing its dirt collection capability.
It also cleans up to 3000 square feet of floor space per cleaning cycle, making it suitable for larger homes. And with its LCD screen display, you can easily control the cleaner, start and stop cleanings, and schedule them according to your preferences.
However, due to its size, this model requires a semi-large space for storage. In addition, the LCD screen may require some time to get used to for those who are not tech-savvy.
Our pick for the best option for cleaning tile floors is the ECOVAS Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop. With an Amazon rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, this wonder gadget reimagines the everyday cleaning experience.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology like the 55℃ Hot Water Mop Washing and the powerful OZMO Turbo 2.0 Rotating Mopping system delivers a superior deep cleaning performance, leaving no tile untouched. Plus, the YIKO AI Voice Assistant activation and advanced mapping capabilities ensure an automated, efficient, and seamless cleaning experience.
Some users have reported that the 3D map can sometimes be overly sensitive to environmental changes. This can result in a need for frequent recalibration. Additionally, the smart charging function, though generally reliable, can occasionally fall short for larger homes.
How do Australians rate Ecovacs's vacuum cleaners?
92% of surveyed Australians recommend Ecovacs
4.4
Value for money
4.4
Overall
4.4
Performance
4.5
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.3
Product features
How Ecovacs compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, Ecovacs was ranked 1st for value for money, 3rd for performance, 4th for ease of use, 3rd for cleaning and maintenance and 3rd for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is also our pick for the best high-powered, boasting a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
Its AI-powered object recognition and advanced five-layered filtration system set a new standard for cleanliness and efficiency. The highly sophisticated LiDAR and 3D sensors enable precise navigation and thorough cleaning, while the Jet Cyclone feature ensures powerful suction performance.
This high-end vacuum also offers unique features like SmartThings pet service, a high-efficiency brush for optimal dirt pick-up, intelligent power control, and voice recognition control, setting it apart from the competition. The Jet Live Streaming and live cleaning report features create an interactive and user-friendly cleaning experience.
However, the Jet Bot AI+ can occasionally struggle with navigating cluttered areas, and the initial setup might be a bit complicated for some users. Despite these minor setbacks, it is a powerful and intelligent cleaning solution
How do Australians rate Samsung's vacuum cleaners?
90% of surveyed Australians recommend Samsung
4.1
Value for money
4.4
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.4
Ease of use
4.3
Cleaning and maintenance
4.2
Product features
How Samsung compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, Samsung was ranked 8th for value for money, 5th for performance, 6th for ease of use, 3rd for cleaning and maintenance and 5th for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
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With a remarkable rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 10,000 Amazon reviews, it's hard to argue against the Proscenic 850T WiFi Robot Vacuum Cleaner being the best option under $400.
This device offers 2-in-1 vacuuming and mopping, powerful suction, an intelligent cleaning system, and simple operation through the Proscenic app or your voice commands. It is a perfect choice for anyone looking to simplify their cleaning routine.
There are also various cleaning modes to choose from, including Auto Clean, Spot Clean, Edge Clean, and Mop Mode. You can also schedule specific days and times for the robotic vacuum to clean and use boundary strips to define No-Go areas where the robot should not go.
However, it's worth mentioning that the 850T may struggle with high-pile carpets due to its design focus on hard floors and low-pile carpets. Additionally, some users have reported that the app occasionally has connection issues.
For the best option under $600, we recommend the Electrolux UltimateHome 300 Robotic Vacuum + Mop. Receiving a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on both Appliances Online and Bing Lee, this device stands out for its fantastic performance and advanced features.
With voice activation via Google Home and up to 2 hours of runtime on a single charge, it's designed with user convenience in mind. The ability to schedule cleaning via a smartphone app and the 2-in-1 vacuum and mop function make it a versatile tool for keeping your home spotless.
Adjusting the water level for mopping is a breeze with the remote control or app, and its sensor-aided navigation ensures thorough and strategic cleaning. Its maximum suction of up to 2600Pa guarantees up to 100% dust pickup of medium and large particles.
Note that UltimateHome 300 requires a bit of time to fully charge, which could be an inconvenience for those in a hurry. Additionally, it can sometimes miss the smaller dust particles. Nonetheless, considering its price point and the host of features it offers, these are minor cons of an otherwise exceptional product.
How do Australians rate Electrolux's vacuum cleaners?
86% of surveyed Australians recommend Electrolux
4.2
Value for money
4.4
Overall
4.3
Performance
4.6
Ease of use
4.2
Cleaning and maintenance
4.3
Product features
How Electrolux compares
In the 2023 Finder Retail Awards, we surveyed over 34,000 Australians about their retail purchases to discover which were their favourite brands across 170 product categories and over 1,200 total brands.
For vacuum cleaners, Electrolux was ranked 4th for value for money, 5th for performance, 2nd for ease of use, 5th for cleaning and maintenance and 3rd for product features.
14 brands were rated across these decision criteria.
We also chose the Roborock S7+ as the best HEPA robot vacuum, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Its sonic vibration technology revolutionises the mopping experience, while the innovative ultrasonic carpet recognition technology and the HyperForce suction system ensure outstanding performance on various surfaces.
The spacious dust bin capacity, capable of storing up to six weeks of dust, also significantly reduces maintenance tasks, while the onboard filtration system works tirelessly to trap 99.99% of particles, making it an excellent ally against allergies.
However, the S7+ could benefit from an improved navigation system to better avoid obstacles and a longer battery life to handle larger cleaning tasks without interruption. Despite these minor issues, the S7+ is worth considering if you want a powerful, efficient, and allergy-friendly robot vacuum.
The Neato Botvac D75 Robotic Vacuum is a powerhouse when it comes to cleaning corners and edges. Its patented Botvision technology enables it to navigate smoothly around your furniture, while its powerful suction ensures a thorough clean.
With a large bagless dirt bin, this robotic vacuum offers considerable convenience and efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your cleaning sessions. The one-touch control makes usage a breeze, with an instant multi-room or spot clean button for quick and easy clean-ups. It's no wonder this robot vacuum boasts a high user rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Appliances Online.
But despite its impressive ability to clean multiple rooms, some users have reported issues with the vacuum getting stuck on certain floor types. Additionally, while it can detect and avoid stairs, the stair detection feature may not be as reliable as expected. This could potentially lead to more frequent manual intervention than desired.
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Amazon prices last updated on 24 April, 2024 at 09:01 ameBay prices last updated on 24 April, 2024 at 06:37 pm
Methodology
15 Brands considered
89 Robot Vacuum Cleaners Tested
12 Best Robot Vacuums Chosen
Why you can trust our picks
For this list, we looked into hundreds of robot vacuums listed in various online retailers like Amazon, Appliances Online and Harvey Norman. We evaluated models from the following brands:
Bissell
Dreame
Dyson
ECOVACS
Electrolux
eufy by Anker
iRobot
LG
MyGenie
Neato
Proscenic
Roborock
Samsung
Thamtu
Vactidy
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of October 2023). We also considered each model's key product features, such as suction power, brush type, battery life, and smart connectivity. We came up with what we believe are the 12 best robot vacuums available online.
What should I consider when buying a vacuum cleaner?
Before making a decision, here are the key features you should think about:
Home Size
If you're only cleaning a small apartment, a cheaper and smaller model may be all you need, because you're not going to tax its inbuilt battery that much. For larger dwelling spaces, a model with a heftier battery may be required unless you're happy waiting several hours between cleaning attempts.
Home layout
Most robot vacuums can intelligently map different floors or available areas given enough time, but the way they define those spaces can vary a lot. If you have areas that need more attention, models that can define out smaller spaces, or at least clean defined "zones" can help a lot.
Time matters
If you want to quickly vacuum your home, you're never going to do so as rapidly with a robot vacuum cleaner as you could with a stick or traditional barrel type vacuum. You'll need to consider when you want to vacuum and how much time it might take, as well as practical noise and charging considerations.
What's up, Dock?
Every robot vacuum cleaner living in your home needs its own home, in the form of a charging dock. Consider the size and location for your dock, because it's both a visible décor element, and in the case of smaller docks, something that the vacuum may knock around itself. For larger self-cleaning or mopping docks, you may have to allocate quite a bit of floor space.
Your one and only?
For smaller dwellings it may be feasible to run just on a robot vacuum cleaner, but it's quite likely you may need to do a bit of spot cleaning with a regular stick model from time to time. Edge detection and cleaning has improved over the years in leaps and bounds, but I'm yet to see a model that will pick up every last crumb. That's why if you are going to use just a robot vacuum cleaner, it's important to run it every day. They're good at that level of "maintenance" cleaning, and if you maintain that clean level every day they're a lot easier to deal with.
What about spare parts?
Like your regular vacuum cleaner, a robot vacuum cleaner does have parts that can wear out. Consider the cost of replacement brush heads, filters and for self-emptying models, dust bags.
How do robot vacuum cleaners navigate?
Robot vacuum cleaners appear like they're roaming around your house aimlessly sometimes, cleaning away the dust that they stumble upon. But in actuality, the technology behind the roaming is quite refined – the machine does have an understanding of where it is and where it has been.
With systems varying between cliff sensors, bump sensors, wall sensors and optical encoders, the technology has the capacity to recognise walls and edges. Most robot vacuum cleaners can also determine how far they've travelled, which direction they've travelled and how long they can clean for before returning to the base to charge.
How do robot vacuum cleaners work with stairs?
There are countless videos on YouTube of robot vacuum cleaners taking a fall down a flight of stairs, not having detected the edge of the floor until the last moment. While amusing to watch, it's entirely inconvenient and can cost you a fair bit if the vacuum breaks.
Thankfully, most robot vacuum cleaners now come equipped with edge detection technology and infra-red sensors that prevent your new friend from taking a tumble. These sensors bounce off the floor, measuring the distance between the unit and the surface, enabling the vacuum to recognise when it's nearing an edge so that it can adjust its course.
What is a robot vacuum cleaner?
Robot vacuums are autonomous vacuums that can clean your floors without the effort required with a traditional vac.
Generally, a robot vacuum cleaner is suitable for cleaning homes that have mainly hard floors. For those with pets, a robot vacuum cleaner can help prevent a build-up of fluff and pet hair. However, while robot vacuum cleaners can come with high tech features, they're actually not as good as traditional vacuums at picking up dirt, especially on carpets.
Robot vacuums can push dirt deeper into the pile of a carpet and eventually damage the carpet. If you have carpet but still want the convenience of a robot vacuum, it's worth investing in a model specifically designed to handle the challenges of carpet.
If you have hard floors, robot vacuums still struggle to clean corners and along edges so you'll need to have a back-up vacuum for those hard to reach areas.
Additional features
The following features can make a robot vacuum easier and more convenient to use.
Webcam. For those who want extra security, some higher-end robot vacuums can also act as an advanced security camera, letting you monitor your home or pets through a mobile app.
Programmable times. You could set your robot vacuum to run only when you're out and pick the times of the day or week which are ideal for your household.
Stair detection. Most robot vacuum models come with stair detection capabilities. The sensor lets the robot detect when it's approaching a ledge or step, so it can stop or turn around to prevent damaging itself.
Virtual walls. Some models come with an accessory allowing you to program an invisible barrier that prevents your robot vacuum from entering parts of the home you don't want it in and blocks it from open doorways and exits.
Remote control. A robot vacuum cleaner will usually come with a remote control, which is handy for changing settings or directing your device around the home.
Warranty. The standard warranty period for a robot vacuum cleaner is typically 1 to 2 years.
Frequently asked questions
For this list, we picked the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ as the best option with the strongest suction.
On average, a robot vacuum can last anywhere from 3 to 5 years with proper maintenance and usage. However, this may vary depending on the brand and model of the vacuum, as well as the frequency of use. Some higher-end models may even last up to 10 years or more.
While a robot vacuum can definitely help with regular cleaning tasks and reduce the need for manual vacuuming, it may not completely replace a traditional vacuum. Robot vacuums are great for everyday maintenance cleaning but may not be able to tackle tough stains or deep clean carpets as effectively as a traditional vacuum.
We picked the Xiaomi Mi Roborock E4 Robotic Cleaner as the best robot vacuum cleaner available online. The brand was also chosen by consumers as the best-rated robot vacuum cleaner brand in the 2019/20 Finder Retail Awards.
Both vacuums can effectively remove dirt, debris and pet hair from your floors. There are easy to use, allowing you to clean every nook and cranny of your home. However, robot vacuums are more convenient. They don't require much effort from the users because they function autonomously.
Not all robot vacuums are suitable for carpets. More advanced models have better carpet cleaning abilities. But if your carpet is heavily soiled, it might need multiple passes to remove dirt.
To keep your robot vacuum cleaner in tip-top shape, clean the brush rolls at least once a week. Clean the docking station at least once a month to avoid any dirt buildup. You should also update your vacuum's software frequently for better efficiency.
Why you can trust Finder Shopping best guides
We're knowledgeable
Our editorial team has decades of experience testing and comparing products. We only use experienced journalists with proven track records.
We're comprehensive
We assess hundreds of products for each guide to ensure you're getting a full overview of the market. All guides are regularly reviewed and fact-checked.
We don't cut corners
Selections are based on our own research, comparisons and testing. We do not use automation software or AI. Every best guide follows a stringent methodology.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in reviews. She has previously written articles about property investment, finances, and health. She’s a huge fan of Tina Fey, bubble teas and dogs. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila and is currently writing her thesis for a Master’s degree in Communication
We’ve listed the 12 best stick vacuums available online to help you pick the best model for your needs.
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