After 43 hours spent researching the best robot vacuums, we think Ecovacs Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: type, power, vacuuming time, charging time, color, bin size, dimensions, filter, mobile app, Alexa-compatible, self-charging, pet hair removal, clearance, weight, and warranty, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Ease of Use | Maneuverability | Maintenance | Value for Money | type | power | vacuuming time | charging time | color | bin size | dimensions | filter | mobile app | Alexa-compatible | self-charging | pet hair removal | clearance | weight | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ecovacs Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum | Check Price | 4.4 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Robotic | Li-ion battery | 100 minutes | 4 hours | Black | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | HEPA filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 7 lbs | 1 year |
| Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum | Check Price | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | Robotic | Li-ion battery | 90 minutes | 4 hours | Black | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in | HEPA filter | No | No | Yes | Yes | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 5.73 lbs | 1 year |
 | Shark Ion Robot 750 Robot Vacuum | Check Price | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Robotic | Li-ion battery | 60 minutes | 3 hours | Black / grey | 0.10 gallons (0.39 liters) | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in | HEPA filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 5.51 lbs | 1 year |
| iLife V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Robotic | Li-ion battery | 120 minutes | 5 hours | White | 0.08 gallons (0.3 liters) | 11.8 x 11.8 x 3 in | HEPA filter | No | No | Yes | Yes | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 4.5 lbs | 1 year |
 | iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Robotic | Li-ion battery | 120 minutes | 3 hours | Black | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.6 in | High-efficiency HEPA filter | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.63 in (1.6 cm) | 8.7 lbs | 1 year |
Technology has made all of our home lives easier, and the best robot vacuum can make it incredibly easy to keep your floors clean.
For those with busy schedules, robo vacs can save a whole lot of time.
Everyone grew up with some sort of vacuum cleaner in their home, but it was usually an upright vacuum, a bulky canister vacuum or, depending on your age, a corded stick vacuum. Today, however, more and more people are finding that a robo vacuum can at least do part of the overall job while requiring zero work at all.
For hard floors, robot vacs can work wonders, although you will still have to use some sort of steam mop or steam cleaner to get out any embedded dirt and grime.
An automatic vacuum cleaner will come with a variety of specialties. Some work only on hard floors, while others will do a pretty good job as a robot carpet vacuum. The latter type will pick up dirt and debris, but don’t expect them to perform the same as an upright or canister vac – robots just don’t have the same suction power. As a carpet cleaner for deep pile carpets, they come up a bit short.
You need specific tools for specific jobs, which is why a handheld vacuum is better for tight spaces, and even a cordless stick vacuum might give you better suction on certain carpets.
What a robotic vacuum lacks in overall power and cleaning ability, however, it makes up for in convenience, particularly for those who have little time to clean.
Selection Of The Best Robot Vacuums
Here are the best robot vacuums for most people according to Outlinist:
Ecovacs Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum
Are robot vacuums worth it? As tech grows, this is a question more and more people are asking.
If you’ve decided that it’s worth it to buy a vacuum that does everything itself, then your next step is to find the best robot vacuum for the money.
Every robo vacuum will clean your floors on their own, but different robot vacs come with different features.
While robotic vacuums are more expensive than traditional vacuums, many are now becoming more affordable.
Let’s take an in depth look at the Ecovacs Deebot, which is one of the more popular robot vacuums on the market right now.
Information
There are four built-in cleaning modes and a 3-stage cleaning system that allow you to get the cleanest floors possible without any sort of hassle, no matter what kind of surface you might be using the vacuum on.
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum provides you with all of the great features of some of the best robot vacuums on the market at a very affordable price. Overall, it is the connectivity included with it that will provide you with the most benefits when compared to other vacuums.
This vacuum utilizes a Smart App and voice controls to give you all the control you need to make sure that your floors come out spotless every single time. There are few vacuums of its type that provide such great connectivity and control options.
The vacuum also utilizes Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to utilize features that you already have on your electronic devices in order to provide you with optimal control and connectivity.
| type | Robotic |
|---|---|
| power | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 100 minutes |
| charging time | 4 hours |
| color | Black |
| bin size | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) |
| dimensions | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in |
| filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes |
| self-charging | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes |
| clearance | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) |
| weight | 7 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
There are four built-in cleaning modes and a 3-stage cleaning system that allow you to get the cleanest floors possible without any sort of hassle, no matter what kind of surface you might be using the vacuum on.
Unfortunately, it isn’t the best on carpets, so if you’re looking for a robot vacuum for anything but the thinnest of area rugs, this is not the one for you. Like any other current model, this is not a robot vacuum that climbs stairs, and it also requires careful placement of the charging station in order to be able to find its way back to charge.
In spite of a few shortcomings, however, this vac comes with so many features that you’ll probably find that the positives outweigh the negatives in most cases. Keep reading to find out more about this product.
Pros
The unit adapts to its surroundings and navigates them quite well, meaning that you’ll rarely have moments of frustration when it gets stuck and doesn’t know where to go.
For such a compact unit at a decent price point, there are tons of features provided by the Deebot. Here’s a quick glance at some of the most important benefits that this vacuum will provide you with.
- Smart App Connectivity: The Ecovacs Deebot comes with its own app for your smartphone or tablet, providing excellent control and allowing you to perfectly plan where and when you want it to clean. Few vacs of its kind give you this sort of connectivity, making this one of the better units on the market.
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Home: Many people already use Alexa and Google Home for managing things around the house, and this vac is perfectly compatible with both. You can use voice commands to operate it which is definitely a cool feature. Again, connectivity is the best part about this thing.
- Navigates quite well: The unit adapts to its surroundings and navigates them quite well, meaning that you’ll rarely have moments of frustration when it gets stuck and doesn’t know where to go. Obviously, this is yet another important part of any sort of robot vac on the market right now.
- Cleans floors thoroughly: There are four different cleaning modes you can use for different surfaces to ensure that it picks up everything in its path. The Deebot also utilizes a 3-stage cleaning system that will go over areas more than once, making sure that all the dirt, dust, and pet hair has been picked up.
- State of the art sensor technology: The sensor technology is on par with anything else you’ll find on the market, ensuring that you won’t have to worry about this unit taking a tumble down stairs and breaking. This is important because it will ensure that your investment doesn’t end up breaking itself.
- Small enough to be extremely versatile: Because it’s so small, it can reach places that you would never be able to get to with a regular vacuum. It can even easily make its way under most couches, so you’ll never have to lift or move your furniture in order to clean under it.
Cons
This Ecovacs automatic vacuum robot isn’t perfect, of course, and some consumers will find that there are issues that they’d rather not deal with. Here’s a list of some of the problems you might have with the Deebot.
- Can’t set boundaries: With many robots, you can control the working area by laying down magnetic strips which they see and avoid. This is handy to prevent it from entering certain rooms, like the kids playroom, or even to protect the legs of valuable antiques.
- Doesn’t always find the docking station: The docking station emits an infrared light that the robot needs to be able to see in order to dock, and so you will want to make sure that the station is in a place where the vac will always be able to see it. For some homes, this could be difficult.
- May not be the best for pet owners: The unit will pick up pet hair, but you might find yourself cleaning out the brushes after every single use, which can take some time and could be frustrating. It also doesn’t pick up cat litter very well, so keep that in mind if you need something for your pets.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | Robotic | Robotic | Robotic |
| power | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 100 minutes | 90 minutes | 60 minutes |
| charging time | 4 hours | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| color | Black | Black | Black / grey |
| bin size | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) | 0.10 gallons (0.39 liters) |
| dimensions | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in |
| filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes | No | Yes |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes | No | Yes |
| self-charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| clearance | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 7 lbs | 5.73 lbs | 5.51 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
The connectivity is the best part of the Deebot, allowing you to control it in multiple ways, whether you choose to use the app that it comes with or want to use Alexa or Google Home.
The Ecovacs Deebot N79S Robot Vacuum definitely provides a lot of great features, and for those who are looking to use a robot vac for the first time, it could be the perfect unit. It’s not great for pets, but does still generally get the job done.
The connectivity is the best part of the Deebot, allowing you to control it in multiple ways, whether you choose to use the app that it comes with or want to use Alexa or Google Home. The connectivity is definitely the best feature.
When all is said and done, this is definitely a great value buy. Those who are interested in a quality robot vacuum that doesn’t cost a fortune will like this one.
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum
Who’d have thought that we’d ever see the day when an automatic floor sweeper was a common sight in most homes?
Well, that day is upon us, and the newest automatic vacuum cleaners are self docking, allowing you to just turn it on and go about your day.
A quick search for the best budget robot vacuum will likely return a whole bunch of results.
Thankfully, you’ll find an excellent automatic vacuum cleaner comparison right here, so you can determine for yourself what is the best product for you.
Read on to learn all you need to know about the Eufy BoostIQ robot vacuum in order to compare it to the competition.
Information
One of the best parts about this particular robot is the fact that it’s capable of maneuvering around or over specific surfaces.
The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum provides you with all of the perks without any of the extra costs. In fact, many of the features included with this particular vacuum can’t be found on many of the higher end models that are out there.
One of the best parts about this particular robot is the fact that it’s capable of maneuvering around or over specific surfaces. It has very large wheels when compared with the competition, allowing it to easily traverse carpets and small bumps, particularly in areas where the carpet meets the tile or the hardwood.
The Pure Power Puck, which utilizes 1300Pa of suction, makes this a very powerful unit, and it might actually be the best robot vacuum for pet hair. The triple-filter system utilizes a dual-layer filter and a high-performance filter to give you a clean you can see, feel, and smell, while also helping to remove allergens.
| type | Robotic |
|---|---|
| power | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 90 minutes |
| charging time | 4 hours |
| color | Black |
| bin size | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) |
| dimensions | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in |
| filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | No |
| Alexa-compatible | No |
| self-charging | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 5.73 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
For a robot vac, this unit also has a very powerful battery. It can clean non-stop for up to 100 minutes on a single charge, allowing you to clean your entire home without having to constantly send it back to the charging dock.
The dust box is 0.6 L, providing enough capacity to clean all the floors in your home without being emptied. This is definitely a huge convenience for those with large homes.
All of this, and the drop-sensing technology hasn’t even been mentioned yet. This allows you to clean without worrying about the unit becoming damaged by falling down steps.
Pros
Few robotic vacuums can clean for 100 minutes without needing to recharge, but this one can.
There are so many great things about the Eufy Robovac 11S that it’s nearly impossible to list all of them without leaving certain things out. Below is the short list of some of the great things that this vac will provide you with.
- Extremely powerful suction: Pet owners know how difficult it can be to pick up thick pet hair or kitty litter even with traditional vacuum cleaners. The Pure Power Puck on this robo vac gives it all the power needed to pick up the thickest hair that your pets could ever leave behind.
- Multiple cleaning modes and presets: You can program this unit to clean at specific times and places, allowing you to focus on other things while it goes about its business. It also has multiple cleaning modes, so if you need more power for a specific area of your home, all you have to do is change the setting.
- Extremely long battery life: Few robotic vacuums can clean for 100 minutes without needing to recharge, but this one can. Because of this, this is one of the best robot vacs for people with large homes that take some time to clean. This also means that you’ll use less electricity, which is definitely a good thing.
- Drop-sensing technology: You probably know someone who once owned a robotic vacuum cleaner that navigated itself off a ledge or a step and fell and broke. Thankfully, that’s impossible with this model, as the drop-sensing technology will keep it from falling to its doom.
- Large wheels for excellent maneuverability: How many times have you seen a robot vac get stuck on a thick area of carpet or a small bump in the floor? Well, that won’t be a problem with this one, as the large wheels allow it to easily traverse bumps in your floors and keep on going.
- 0.6 L dustbox: The dustbox is more than half a liter, giving you plenty of capacity to clean your entire home without having to constantly empty it. Just empty it after every use, and you’ll never have to worry about it being too full to continue to pick up dirt and dust.
Cons
As with any product you’ll find on the market, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. There are, in fact, some downsides to the Eufy BoostIQ. Here are a few of the most important for you to keep in mind.
- Eufy doesn’t sell replacement batteries: If the battery dies and you contact the company to get a new one, they won’t be able to help you. You might be able to find a battery that works for it from a third-party retailer, but that also means that there may be some risks involved.
- Might have issues with your floor plan: While this unit is built to handle large homes, if your floor plan is complex it might end up losing sight of the docking station and getting stuck. This doesn’t happen often, but for those with complex floor plans, it is definitely something to keep in mind.
- Problems with high-pile carpets and dark floors: This vac will really struggle on thick, high-pile carpets. It also tends to stop before going on dark-colored floors, likely because it seems to think that the dark floor is a drop off. It’s great that it won’t fall, but this can be annoying.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | Robotic | Robotic | Robotic |
| power | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 90 minutes | 100 minutes | 60 minutes |
| charging time | 4 hours | 4 hours | 3 hours |
| color | Black | Black | Black / grey |
| bin size | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 0.10 gallons (0.39 liters) |
| dimensions | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in |
| filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | No | Yes | Yes |
| Alexa-compatible | No | Yes | Yes |
| self-charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 5.73 lbs | 7 lbs | 5.51 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
Ultimately, this is a darn good vac in spite of the negatives, and most people will find that it does the job just fine.
The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Robot Vacuum gives you great value for your buck, and really works wonders for pet owners with bare floors or low-pile carpets. It’s easy to use, and very rarely fails to get the job done.
The issue with dark floors can be a hassle, so if your carpet or tile floors are very dark colored, you might want to find a different model. It can’t handle high-pile carpets well, but most robot vacs in this price range will have similar issues.
Ultimately, this is a darn good vac in spite of the negatives, and most people will find that it does the job just fine. It’s definitely a product that you ought to consider.
Shark Ion Robot 750 Robot Vacuum
The invention of the vacuum cleaner in 1901 was a wonderful thing. It made cleaning floors much easier and faster.
Even so, it wasn’t long before running a vacuum was just another chore to be done. It’s still that way today.
You’ve seen ads on TV, in magazines, and on-line for robot vacuum cleaners and automatic floor cleaners. They’re kind of amazing.
Wouldn’t it be nice to have one of those gadgets? They’d make it a lot easier to maintain noticeably clean floors.
Do you have friends who have one? What’s been their experience? Have you checked out consumer feedback and comparison sites?
Information
As the battery is depleted, the vacuum stops cleaning and returns to its charging dock for an automatic recharge.
SharkNinja, a market leader in upright vacuums, has introduced its own robot vacuum cleaner, the Shark Ion 750 Robot Vacuum. It has many features of other more expensive robotic cleaners but is moderately priced and is getting good reviews.
It moves seamlessly between hard surface floors and carpets and does an outstanding job on both. It uses sensors to navigate and assess the area it is cleaning, as well as to avoid obstacles in the area. The sensors also protect it from falling off a ledge or down stairs.
Wi-Fi enabling allows cleaning and scheduling from a smartphone or using voice control with Alexa. A mobile app lets you to create a cleaning schedule and even enables the Shark 750 to begin cleaning remotely when you aren’t home.
| type | Robotic |
|---|---|
| power | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 60 minutes |
| charging time | 3 hours |
| color | Black / grey |
| bin size | 0.10 gallons (0.39 liters) |
| dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in |
| filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes |
| self-charging | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 5.51 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
A lithium-ion battery gives it at least one hour, if not more, of cleaning time. As the battery is depleted, the vacuum stops cleaning and returns to its charging dock for an automatic recharge.
Using a motorized brush in the unit’s center, plus two additional side brushes that spin, the Shark Ion effectively captures pet hair, dust, and small debris. It does a great job cleaning, especially on hardwood floors. It may be one of the best robot vacuums for hardwood floors.
If there are areas you don’t want cleaned, you can use “BotBoundary Strips” to keep the vacuum away. When it encounters a strip barrier it will back up or turn away and leave that area alone. Nine feet of BotBoundary magnetic strip comes with the Shark Ion.
Pros
The Shark Ion is quiet, very quiet. It has been measured at just 60 decibels, which isn’t much more than conversation over dinner.
Robotic vacuums such as the Shark Ion 750 aren’t designed to do all the floor cleaning in your home, but they do a very good job at keeping the floors clean on a day-to-day basis. And the 750 more than holds its own.
- Pet owners rejoice, pet hair be gone: Some owners say, strongly, that the Shark Ion is the best robotic vacuum for pet hair. The motorized brush and spinning side brushes work together to agitate the hair, pick it up and deposit in the dust bin. The brush also keeps itself clean.
- The Shark 750 is designed to get into places other robots can’t: It has a diameter of 12.6 inches and is just 2.6 inches in height. It is shorter and smaller than other similar vacs so it can get in smaller spaces and potentially clean underneath more furniture.
- SharkNinja prices its accessories and maintenance needs inexpensively: All robotic cleaners need regular maintenance and the 750 is no exception. But the price for the parts you need is very affordable – a full replenishment kit that includes four side brushes, one brush, and filter costs about $35.
- While it is cleaning, you may not even know it: The Shark Ion is quiet, very quiet. It has been measured at just 60 decibels, which isn’t much more than conversation over dinner. It starts when it is scheduled, goes about its business, and returns to its dock when done.
- The user manual is explicit and easy to follow: There is a minimal amount of assembly required – you need to install the side brushes on the cleaner but they just snap into place. A combination of illustrations and text provide an excellent guide to getting it set up and running.
- One year warranty means your cleaner is solid and well-built: SharkNinja has been building high-quality vacuum cleaners since the mid-1990s, and the Ion 750 is another example of their commitment to excellence in consumer products. Owners of Shark uprights know Shark quality and have been delighted with its new robotic option.
Cons
The Shark Ion 750 has been a welcome entry into the automatic floor cleaner market. It compares favorably with some competing brands that cost more. But it has some shortcomings that you might want to consider before deciding on this vacuum.
- It is smaller than other units, but that can be problematic: Small size means a smaller dust bin that must be emptied frequently, especially if pet hair is around. All dust bins should be emptied after a cleaning cycle, but the Shark may need to be emptied at least once before it finishes.
- The Shark 750 likes hardwood but isn’t a robot carpet vacuum: Carpets, especially thicker ones, give it trouble. It isn’t as effective as robots with a power boost for carpets. There is a “spot” button for extra cleaning in small areas but that doesn’t compensate for not having extra power.
- If it needs recharging while cleaning, it goes to the dock and stops: Some vacuums resume cleaning after a mid-cycle recharge but this one doesn’t. Because it cleans in a random pattern, there’s no assurance that it would return to the area where it was cleaning even if you restart it.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | Robotic | Robotic | Robotic |
| power | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 60 minutes | 100 minutes | 90 minutes |
| charging time | 3 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| color | Black / grey | Black | Black |
| bin size | 0.10 gallons (0.39 liters) | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) |
| dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in |
| filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes | Yes | No |
| self-charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 5.51 lbs | 7 lbs | 5.73 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
It’s easy to keep out of areas you don’t want cleaned by using the magnetic BotBoundary strips.
When doing robot vacuum comparisons, the Shark Ion 750 Robot Vacuum competes favorably, especially in its mid-level price range. It does really well on hard surface floors and doesn’t seem to get stuck under furniture as often as some other models.
It’s easy to keep out of areas you don’t want cleaned by using the magnetic BotBoundary strips. They are simple to place – a strip can be a simple line in a threshold or can be shaped to protect an antique.
Remember, robot vacuums are not as effective as a heavy-duty upright. But the Shark Ion is a good choice for more frequent cleaning to keep your floors free of dust, lint and pet hair. And you don’t have to do the work!
iLife V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum
If you don’t yet own a smart robotic vacuum floor cleaner, you probably don’t know what you’re missing.
No one enjoys vacuuming, and that’s why these products exist, allowing you to simply set it to clean and do something else.
You could search long and hard for robot vacuum reviews, but few will give you a cleaning robot comparison that gives you a definitive answer regarding comparative quality.
If you’ve heard of the iLife robot vacuum, you’ll want all the important info on it before you buy.
Here you’ll find all the answers to your questions about the iLife V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum.
Information
The unit is self-charging, which means you simply allow it to do its work, then place itself back on the charging dock so that it’ll be ready for the next time you use it.
Is the iLife V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum the best robotic vacuum this year? Well, that depends upon your specific needs. It definitely has its benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks.
First, if you have a medium or high-pile carpet, this vacuum will struggle a little bit. It’s best for hard floors and low-pile carpet, but you’ll often find that it struggles when the carpet gets even a little bit thick.
For those who have tile floors, hardwood floors, and/or low-pile carpets, however, this particular machine works wonderfully. In fact, it’s excellent for pet owners, as it’s built with pet hair care technology specifically focused on picking up pet hairs as well as dirt and debris.
| type | Robotic |
|---|---|
| power | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 120 minutes |
| charging time | 5 hours |
| color | White |
| bin size | 0.08 gallons (0.3 liters) |
| dimensions | 11.8 x 11.8 x 3 in |
| filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | No |
| Alexa-compatible | No |
| self-charging | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 4.5 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
Because it has such a compact design, it can also get to those impossible to reach places like under beds or couches, which are places where dirt often hides and accumulates.
The unit is self-charging, which means you simply allow it to do its work, then place itself back on the charging dock so that it’ll be ready for the next time you use it. It also has a programmable schedule, so you won’t have to fiddle with it every single time you want to use it.
The smart sensors help the unit to avoid bumping into objects or falling down steps, which is an important feature for any vac of this type to have, since you don’t want it to break on you the first time you use it.
Pros
The smart sensors on the V3s Pro not only keep it from constantly bumping into walls or furniture, but they also keep it from dropping down stairs or large drop offs.
There’s plenty to like about the V3s Pro, as it gives you loads of features in one affordable little package. Take a look at these features and compare it to models at similar prices to see which gives you the most value.
- Pet hair technology: Many robot vacs can pick up pet hair, but few are designed specifically for that purpose. This one is. Because it was designed to pick up pet hair, you’ll never have to worry about tedious cleaning of the brushes after it goes over your pet’s hair.
- Low to the ground design lets it get where it needs to be: It’s so low to the ground that it can easily get underneath most couches and beds. Those who don’t want to have to move large pieces of furniture every time they clean their floors will love this.
- Docks itself in the charging dock: Whenever the battery is low, this unit will return to the charging dock by itself. There are very few things that you’ll have to do yourself once you’ve gotten this thing programmed to do specifically what you want it to do.
- Programmable schedule: Want it to clean the floors at a specific time of day on a specific day? No problem! Simply set it to the time and date you want it to work, and it’ll do its job on its own. When it’s done, it’ll put itself back on the dock to charge so you don’t have to.
- Smart sensor technology: The smart sensors on the V3s Pro not only keep it from constantly bumping into walls or furniture, but they also keep it from dropping down stairs or large drop offs. If you’re going to spend your money on a robot vac, this is definitely an important feature to have.
- Few vacs work better on hardwood: This unit was designed specifically for hardwood and low-pile carpets, and so you’re not likely to find one that works better on those types of surfaces. This is probably the perfect unit for people who have hardwood floors in their homes.
Cons
The iLife V3s is great for folks on a budget, but there are also certain tasks that it can’t quite handle. Here are some of the shortcomings that this unit has. Decide for yourself whether they’re deal breakers or not.
- Doesn’t work well at all on heavier carpets: The V3s is undoubtedly one of the best automatic vacuums for hardwood floors and can handle most thinner rugs, but it’s going to struggle mightily on many carpets. Those with medium or high-pile carpets will want to find a more advanced unit for their homes.
- No spinning brushes: Traditional vacuums and most robot vacs will have spinning brushes that they use to push dirt and dust into the suction area. This unit doesn’t have spinning brushes, but it does have two small brushes in the front which it uses to sweep the dirt. It still works well, but it’s not the most efficient.
- Have to keep track of the dustbox: The dustbox is pretty small, and there’s no indication from the machine when it’s full. You might find yourself wondering why it’s not picking anything up, then realize that you need to empty the bin. Other robot vacuums have larger capacity dust bins.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | Robotic | Robotic | Robotic |
| power | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 120 minutes | 100 minutes | 90 minutes |
| charging time | 5 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| color | White | Black | Black |
| bin size | 0.08 gallons (0.3 liters) | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) |
| dimensions | 11.8 x 11.8 x 3 in | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in |
| filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | No | Yes | No |
| Alexa-compatible | No | Yes | No |
| self-charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| clearance | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 4.5 lbs | 7 lbs | 5.73 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
You’re not likely to find one that’s better for dealing with dust, dirt, or animal hair on hard surfaces.
If you are a pet owner with hardwood or tile floors, the iLife V3s Pro Robotic Vacuum is the perfect machine for you to get for your home. With its special technology for pets, it easily rates as one of the best robot vacuums for pet hair this year.
Unfortunately, this unit doesn’t work on a lot of carpets, and even on the low-pile carpets, it does struggle a bit. If you have heavy carpeting in your home, you’ll definitely want to shop around and try to find another machine.
For what it is, however, this is an excellent robot vacuum. You’re not likely to find one that’s better for dealing with dust, dirt, or animal hair on hard surfaces. It’s a great buy if you have the right flooring.
iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum
Live in a house, apartment, or even a houseboat? If it has floors, you probably have a vacuum cleaner.
And if you’re like most folks, cleaning house and dragging the vacuum around are not high on your list of favorite things to do.
What if you had a vacuum that knew when to clean and just moved around your living space and did the job?
There are vacuums like that, and they go by different names – automatic, or robot, or robotic. If you hate vacuuming, maybe you need one.
Do your research, check out what others are saying, and see if a robot vacuum is right for you.
Information
When it’s not cleaning, it sits quietly in its docking station, recharging for the next time you’ve scheduled it to start.
When checking out automatic vacuum cleaner reviews, you’ll likely come across the iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum as one of the top machines on the market. It can be programmed to clean at any time, whether you’re home or not.
It is designed to clean all floor types and self-adjusts for maximum efficiency when it moves between carpet and hard floors and back. Some buyers say the iRobot 980 is the best Roomba for pet hair because of its brush design and powerful suction.
The sensors and software on the vacuum allow it to move efficiently and seamlessly from room to room, cleaning the entirety of one floor of your home. And it is smart enough to keep tabs on its location wherever it goes.
| type | Robotic |
|---|---|
| power | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 120 minutes |
| charging time | 3 hours |
| color | Black |
| bin size | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) |
| dimensions | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.6 in |
| filter | High-efficiency HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes |
| self-charging | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes |
| clearance | 0.63 in (1.6 cm) |
| weight | 8.7 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year |
When it’s not cleaning, it sits quietly in its docking station, recharging for the next time you’ve scheduled it to start. There’s no need to find room for it in a closet or pantry – it sits unobtrusively against a wall next to a plug.
It comes with a very readable user manual that provides set up and operating instructions, how to download the iRobot HOME App and get connected to Wi-Fi, and maintenance and cleaning information. It can be programmed to clean up to seven times weekly.
iRobot, the manufacturer, was founded in 1990 and was an early and leading pioneer in developing and building innovative robots for the home. The Roomba 980 comes with a one year warranty that even includes batteries.
Pros
Its navigation iAdapt 2.0 system uses “visual localization” to help the Roomba travel around an entire floor of your home.
As an innovator in robotic vacuums, iRobot has nearly two decades of experience which makes them a leader in the industry. The iRobot Roomba 980 continues that tradition with loads of features that make it a best-in-class robot vacuum.
- Cleaning system with three stages picks up tiny particles to larger debris: The 980 uses dual multi-surface tangle-free brushes and powerful suction to remove debris, pet hair, and embedded dirt. A “power boost” automatically increases suction on carpets for deep cleaning, and dirt detection sensors trigger extra cleaning in high traffic areas.
- Automatically adapting cleaning head adjusts its height for effective cleaning: By raising or lowering the height of the cleaning brushes, they are more effective on both carpet and on hard floors. The iRobot 980 is a great automatic vacuum cleaner for hardwood floors as well as for all carpeted surfaces.
- Moving from room to room is no problem for the iRobot vacuum: Its navigation iAdapt 2.0 system uses “visual localization” to help the Roomba travel around an entire floor of your home. Its smart sensors and low 3.6″ height allow it to vacuum around furniture, under sofas, beds and other difficult-to-reach spaces.
- The Roomba 980 has as much as a 120-minute runtime: When it runs low on power, it returns to the base station and automatically recharges. If it hasn’t finished the cleaning job it started, it will go back to where it left off and resume cleaning until the work is done.
- Voice activation and Wi-Fi make it easy to schedule and run: The user manual you receive with your iRobot 980 provides instructions on downloading the iRobot Home App from Apple’s App Store or Google Play and establishing a Wi-Fi connection. The 980 is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice activation.
- Pet hair is easily handled: The two tangle-free and multi-surface brushes pick up dog and cat hair effortlessly, and that minimizes hair tangles and brush maintenance. A high-efficiency air filter captures up to 99% of pollen, allergens, and even particles as tiny as 10 microns.
Cons
Every product, no matter how good it is or how many great reviews it gets, has issues or concerns for at least some consumers who have purchased and used them. The Roomba 980, while an excellent robotic vacuum, is no exception.
- Black or dark floors/carpets confuse the robot: Sensors on iRobot vacuums may read the dark color as an edge or stair, and the vac will back away or ask to be relocated to another area. The manufacturer says there is no adjustment to fix this problem.
- Dust bin may be more difficult to clean than earlier models: Some consumers find it harder to remove the 980’s dirt cup than other Roombas. And, because of the way the bin is designed, it is more challenging to empty because some dust sticks in its plastic housing.
- The elephant is in the room and can’t be ignored: The Roomba 980 is an expensive vacuum cleaner, even compared to other robo vacs. Competing brands of robot vacuums, as well as other Roombas, cost less. The 980 has many features that aren’t on cheaper machines but you pay for them.
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| type | Robotic | Robotic | Robotic |
| power | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery | Li-ion battery |
| vacuuming time | 120 minutes | 100 minutes | 90 minutes |
| charging time | 3 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| color | Black | Black | Black |
| bin size | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) | 0.12 gallons (0.45 liters) | 0.16 gallons (0.6 liters) |
| dimensions | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.6 in | 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.3 in | 17.5 x 16 x 4.5 in |
| filter | High-efficiency HEPA filter | HEPA filter | HEPA filter |
| mobile app | Yes | Yes | No |
| Alexa-compatible | Yes | Yes | No |
| self-charging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| pet hair removal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| clearance | 0.63 in (1.6 cm) | 0.54 in (1.37 cm) | 0.5 in (1.27 cm) |
| weight | 8.7 lbs | 7 lbs | 5.73 lbs |
| warranty | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Summary
Its long running time and smart systems will give you a thorough vacuuming, moving from one room to another on one level of your home, automatically recharging if necessary, until it has finished its job.
The iRobot Roomba 980 Robot Vacuum has been tagged as the “best Roomba vacuum yet” by many consumers. Its features and cleaning abilities are top-drawer and the essence of convenience and are not found on many other robotic vacuums.
Its long running time and smart systems will give you a thorough vacuuming, moving from one room to another on one level of your home, automatically recharging if necessary, until it has finished its job. Most cleaners don’t do that.
While it won’t replace a traditional, more powerful vacuum, if you are looking for an easy, automatic way to maintain your floors between heavier-duty cleaning, the iRobot 980 is unlikely to disappoint. If that’s what you seek, invest in one today.
Buying Guide
Vacuuming time
Particularly if you have a larger area of floor in your home that you need covered, the amount of time that a robot vacuum cleaner can spend actively working is important. The vacuuming time can vary, with certain models only working as little as 30 minutes at a time and others as many as 120.
It’s essential to understand how much area is covered and whether or not the vacuum will have the time to cover it without having to dock itself again.
Time to reach a full charge
Comparing the charging time with the vacuuming time will give you a good idea about the strength and quality of the battery. Ideally, you want a unit that charges quickly and can work for as long as possible.
Most of these products will charge for between 3 and 4 hours, and those with the longer vacuuming time will generally take longer to charge. However, there are a few out there that charge quickly and provide plenty of time to work.
Does it self-dock?
You’re choosing this type of cleaning tool for the convenience it provides, and automatic vacuum cleaners with self docking capabilities make everything easier. Those that don’t self dock will require you to pick them up and put them on the charging dock, which can be a hassle.
If you want to get the most possible convenience out of the unit that you purchase, then you’ll want to find one that will put itself back on the charging dock when its battery is low.
Size and height
Much of this will come down to the layout of your home. If you have tighter spaces that you want the machine to reach, smaller dimensions are usually a little bit better. However, a larger unit will cover more ground at once and will likely have a larger dust bin.
Shorter and smaller units will be able to easily get under couches or around furniture, but they are likely to require that you empty them on a more regular basis, sometimes even before vacuuming is done.
Size of the bin
Any automatic vacuum robot is going to have a much smaller dust bin than more traditional units. While this ought to be expected, it’s still nice to have a dust bin large enough to avoid constantly needing to empty it.
Generally, the bins will range from .1 gallons to .2 gallons. Finding the perfect balance between size and height of the unit and the size of the dust bin is essential to ensuring that you can keep your floors clean with ease.
Type of flooring
This is something that you’ll need to pay close attention to. Finding an automatic vacuum for hardwood floors is pretty easy, but finding one that will also work on carpets can be a bit more difficult.
If the unit has the suction power to handle carpets, the manufacturer will usually advertise this as a selling point. If you specifically need a unit that works on carpets, make sure that it is marketed as a good carpet vacuum.
Does it pick up pet hair?
Those with pets fully understand how important it is to have a floor cleaner that can pick up pesky pet hair. Many robot units will fail to do so simply because they lack the power, but those that can do it will boast it as a feature.
If you own pets and are tired of struggling to pick up their hair, it’s necessary that you find a unit that is designed to handle the shedding your pet throws at you.
What type of filtration system?
The filtration system of any vacuum is important, and automatic units are no different. Most of these units will come equipped with a HEPA filter, which is always recommended, but a high-efficiency HEPA filter will give the air in your home the extra protection that it needs.
The high-efficiency filters will suck more of the dust particles and other allergens out of the air, making sure that you always have clean air to breathe in your home.
Does it have a mobile app?
The easiest way to control one of these units is with your smartphone and a mobile app. Unfortunately, not every unit comes with its own app. If you want the added convenience of controlling your unit with your smartphone, a free app is definitely the way to go.
Those that don’t utilize a smartphone app will usually have some sort of remote control, which will work but won’t be nearly as convenient as being able to control the unit from anywhere.
Is it compatible with Alexa?
Alexa has become an amazing convenience tool that more and more people are enjoying in their homes. Simply by saying a few words, Alexa can perform a number of functions, including controlling your automatic floor sweeper.
Using one of these vacs with Alexa is the epitome of advanced technology, and having your floors vacuumed simply by giving a verbal command is probably the easiest way to do it. This might not be a necessity, but it is a great feature to have.
How good are the sensors?
The functionality of any of these units is largely dependent upon how well the sensors function. Some units will really struggle if you have dark carpets, as they won’t be able to tell where the floor begins and ends.
Furthermore, if you have stairs anywhere near the area where the unit will be working, you’ll need to make sure that it is capable of detecting the drop off so that it won’t fall down the stairs and break into a bunch of pieces.
Can you set boundaries?
Even with many units that don’t have the best sensors, you can set boundaries for the work area. This is usually done with an associate app, which means that you’ll never have to worry about your unit flying off a set of stairs or getting stuck in a place it shouldn’t be.
If the unit you’re considering doesn’t have the best sensors but you’re still able to set boundaries, it could still work quite well for you.
How loud is it?
This is a concern with any vacuum. While automatic units tend to be quieter than most traditional units, there is still a range of noise between models. Whether you have pets or you want the unit to work while you sleep, understanding the noise level is important.
It is, of course, generally the noise that startles pets, so those with dogs will want a quieter unit so that their best friends won’t end up attacking the unit and damaging it.
Color and style
Color and style are obviously strictly aesthetic, but if you are going to spend your money on something like this, you’ll probably want it to look good as it navigates around your home. There are a variety of different colors, so finding something that doesn’t stand out too much shouldn’t be difficult.
Nearly every unit you encounter will have a round shape, but some look a bit sleeker than others. Find one that fits your home and/or your personality.
Does it have a warranty?
A good warranty never completely guarantees that the product is good, but it certainly does help. If nothing else, it ensures that the company is willing to back up their product by offering some sort of exchange or refund if it’s defective, which should give you more confidence in the product.
The best robot vacuum is going to come with some kind of warranty in order to keep you protected from any sort of manufacturer defects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a robo vac get my carpets spotless?
A good robo vac that’s designed for carpets will pick up plenty of surface dirt and dust, but that’s about it. No robot has the suction power needed to thoroughly clean deep pile carpets, so don’t throw out your upright or canister vac.
These machines are all about convenience, not providing an all-in-one solution for cleaning carpets. And for “spotless”, you will need some sort of shampooer or portable carpet cleaner.
Will I still need to mop hard floors?
Yes. No matter how many times a robotic unit goes over hard floors, it will never be able to break up or loosen dirt. For that, you’ll either need to mop or use a handheld steam cleaner, depending upon your preference.
Just like with carpets, this is not an all-in-one tool. It is meant to make your life a bit easier, but if you truly want to get your hard floors clean, you’re still going to have to use a mop occasionally.
How do these vacuums work?
These units navigate around the floors of your home using built-in computers. You can generally set an area of your house for it to clean, and it will have sensors on it that will help it to avoid bumping into objects or falling off of ledges. These sensors will also generally help the unit to figure out the most efficient path to clean in.
Basically, it utilizes this technology to clean your floors without you even having to lift a finger.
Do these units come with accessories?
Yes. Nearly all units will come with some sort of remote control, a charging dock, a rechargeable battery, cleaning brushes, and a HEPA filter. Some units also come with their own app for the purposes of control and mapping.
Some units will even work perfectly with Alexa and Google Home to provide added convenience. While this isn’t necessarily an accessory, it is a feature that you simply will not find on any regular vacuum!
Is there cleaning and maintenance involved?
Yes. You will need to empty the dust bin regularly, and you’ll need to clean it every now and again. The larger the dust bin, the less often you’ll need to empty it, but it should probably be emptied after each use.
There are units that empty their own dust bins, which is a plus, but you will still need to clean the dust bins from time to time. You’ll also need to wash the HEPA filter every now and again.
Sources
- Irobot Roomba 500 Series Vacuum Cleaning Robot, AbleData, October 23, 2008
- Helpful Robot Alters Family Life, National Science Foundation, June 8, 2007
- Certain Robotic Vacuum Cleaning Devices and Components , Federal Register, May 23, 2017
- Robotic Vacuum Cleaner, Cornell Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2006
- Roomba Robot Vacuum Cleaner, National Museum of American History, January 15, 2013
- Robotic vacuum cleaner design to mitigate slip errors in warehouses, MIT, 2017
- Robotic vacuum cleaner, Wikipedia
- Best Robotic Vacuums for Under the Tree, Consumer Reports, November 17, 2017
- Best Robot Vacuums of 2018 - Pet Hair, Cheerios and Sawdust, Tested, Tom's Guide, April 17, 2018
- Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners for 2018, CNET, May 3, 2018
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