Best Self-Empting Robot Vacuums
A budget bot that is tough on dirt and easy to fix. Its big bin, simple application experience, and long battery life make it a good option for a variety of spaces.
It maps your house and lets you label rooms and create virtual "no-go zones". It also helps in removing pet hair and cat poop from hardwood flooring and carpeting with low pile.
1. Roomba j7+ iRobot from iRobot.
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is one of the most intelligent robot vacuums we've tested and it's incredibly simple to set up and use. It can be controlled by voice using Alexa, Google Assistant or Nest Learning Thermostat. The iRobot app makes it easy to control the model, schedule it and other settings.
Contrary to other robots, which can take hours to map a home, the iRobot utilizes iRobot OS and PrecisionVision Navigation technology to automatically detect obstacles like charging cords and pet waste, as well as the odd sock, so they don't interfere with cleaning. It also has a cliff sensor to aid in the navigation of the stairs and avoid falling down the stairs.
It is able to detect different flooring types and adjust the brush height to suit the flooring. The iRobot J7+ will also collect debris and take it to its Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal which will dump the contents into a dust bin that can hold up to two full bags. You can empty the bin on your own or employ iRobot Home Service to do it for you at an additional fee.
The iRobot J7+ is equipped with a 57oz 1.7 liter dust bin, and a 14oz/ 0.4 liter battery. Both are easily replaceable. Its sleek design that is less bulky than other models. It looks great in a neat living room. It's recommended to replace the HEPA filter and rubber brushrolls at least every two months, though. These are the only ongoing expenses you'll have to pay for this model.
2. Shark IQ ExL
Shark's IQ robot is among the only a handful of vacuums which can be used without having empty the bin manually. When it's finished cleaning cycle, the robot will head back to its base station to automatically empty debris into a large bin that is built into the dock. This process takes only about a minute and can help you avoid having to empty the dirt bin for up to 30 times per year. The IQ Robot works quickly and efficiently, rarely gets stuck, and has an easy-to-use program that lets you set up schedules. You can also control it with your voice and use physical boundary marker strips to keep it out of certain areas.
Its utilitarian, all-black design looks more robotic than traditional vacuums. It's not gorgeous however it feels solid and well-constructed. There isn' robot vacuum mops required from the box, and all it requires is that you insert the two side brushes. The app lets you set up cleaning schedules, check the remaining battery life of the robot and receive push notifications. You can also change the power mode or direct the vacuum to the right room and then return it to its dock.
The IQ Robot offers three power modes: Eco, Normal and the default Normal. The highest mode has the highest suction but also drains the battery the most quickly.
The Shark IQ vacuum is an excellent self-emptying machine that does an excellent job of picking up pet hair, even on unfinished floors. It also does a decent job on carpets with a low pile. It's less expensive than iRobot Roomba j7+ and has fewer components that require regular maintenance or replacement, resulting in lower recurring costs. The Xiaomi Mi Robot Vacuum is, however, an ideal choice for the majority of users. It is able to maneuver better around obstacles, has a better performance on carpets with a high pile and can charge faster.
3. Samsung Jet Bot+
Samsung is an early player in the robot vacuum market, but Jet Bot+ is a attractive product. The most important selling feature is the self-emptying base which reduces dust exposure for those suffering from allergies. The 2.5L bin can also be emptied via an app, which is great for those who prefer to schedule their cleaning.
The Samsung also comes with a unique brush with just one edge that draws debris into the roller. It also has an integrated power filter which traps and locks away smaller particles. Its LiDAR sensor can detect furniture and tight corners, which helps it navigate around obstacles (though it may still get caught up in the stray cable, or shoes your spouse carelessly dropped).
Another interesting characteristic is the ability to recognize objects. It can detect when it encounters an object that is new and try to determine what it might be. (It often misinterpreted socks, towels and cables but it was not too useful). Children will appreciate this feature as the Jet Bot+ will go around toys that frequently stop other robots from moving.
The robotvac is a powerful device that can clean our test rooms with one charge. However, it is prone to run out mid-job. It's quick to return to its dock and recharge and it can be scheduled to return at a set time. It also has Bixby, Samsung’s voice assistant, built-in, which means you can alter the cleaning mode and start it using your smartphone. Jet Bot+'s SmartThings app is simple to use and well-documented. The app lets you build maps of rooms, label them with no-go zones, set up a live view and more.
4. Deebot X2 Omni
The X2 Omni is one of the most cutting-edge robot vacuums and mopping robots on the market. Its sleek, square design increases its corner cleaning and edge cleaning capabilities. It also comes with an inbuilt video camera that lets you monitor your home remotely (via an app or smart device).
The dual laser navigation system is the most important feature that makes the X2 Omni stand out from other self-emptying robot vacuums. It allows the robot to move more efficiently. This technology is designed to allow the robot to see obstacles in your home that are typically hidden by furniture, pet toys, or electrical cords. This is especially beneficial for households with active pets, as the Omni X2 Omni will not be able to bump into your furry family members or other obstructions while still being able thoroughly clean your floors.
Another noteworthy feature is the X2 Omni's upgraded 3D navigation and mapping capabilities that allow the robot to locate and clean certain areas of your home with just a swipe of the app. This feature is extremely useful for homeowners who would like their Deebot to concentrate on specific areas of the living room or kitchen, like under the table or sofa.
The X2 Omni also has an integrated voice assistant that allows you to activate and control the robot's functions using your favorite Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also utilize the Yiko 2.0 voice assistant built into the robot to take your hands-free operation one step further. This is especially useful if you have kids or pets at home that may accidentally knock over the remote controls or block the way of your hand-free cleaning.
5. Eufy G20
The G20 comes with a range of features that you won't find in robot vacuums in this price range. For instance, it has a side brush that moves debris into the direction of the main brushroll when it encounters it. It also has a mopping feature that uses an appropriate amount of water to leave your floors dry and clean. You cannot control how much power is used to mop. A variety of wiping strength would have been beneficial here, as you need more or less water on tiles than on wood.
The cleaning performance of this robot is superb on bare floors. It is able to pick up small pieces of material like rice easily and was able to take on bulkier debris such as cereal on this type of surface too. When it came to the toughest test - our flour spillage test it struggled. It managed to gather 45g of flour but there was visible remnants that was left on the floor.
The navigation is also somewhat shaky. It slammed into furniture all the time, with some items of furniture getting slightly scratched. It comes with a bumper to take the impact. It also has the ability to climb over quite high thresholds, which is a big advantage.
The G20 is a fairly quiet machine. Its decibel level was at 65db. It's similar to the sound produced by an air conditioner. If you're looking for a quiet robot vacuum, then this is worth checking out. The G20 doesn't have a map-making feature, which is something that many of its competitors do. You can't avoid certain rooms if they're cluttered.