The Best Robot Vacuums in 2024
By Elisabeth Christ
Updated May 2024
In today’s connected world, maintaining the security of your home is easier than ever with smart home cameras that blend seamlessly into our daily lives. This year’s lineup includes models that are not only more powerful but also more intuitive, ensuring that homeowners can feel secure and in control, regardless of where they are. From the sleek Google Nest Cam (2nd Gen) to the versatile Ring Stick Up Cam (2nd Gen), each camera offers unique features to cater to different security needs. Whether you need a camera that pans and tilts to cover more ground or a device that integrates tightly with other smart home systems, 2024’s selection has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the details and functionalities that set these top contenders apart.
Best Overall: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
✓ 6000Pa suction power, tackling dust, pet hair, and large debris
✓ Smart obstacle avoidance with LiDAR and stereo camera navigation
✓ Self-emptying and self-washing dock
✓ Customizable cleaning with granular control over cleaning settings.
Best for Budget: Roborock Q5+
✓ 2700Pa suction power and a maximum cleaning speed of 1.8 meters per second
✓ 5200mAh battery with up to 180 minutes runtime
✓ 2.5 L dust bag lasting up to 7 weeks and filters 99.7% of pollen as small as 0.3 microns
✓ Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
Best for Obstacle Avoidance: iRobot Roomba J7+
✓ Self-emptying dustbin with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal with enclosed bags
✓ Intelligent "PrecisionVision Navigation" obstacle avoidance
✓ User-friendly iRobot Home app
✓ Compact auto-empty dock
Best for Advanced Features: iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550)
✓ Imprint Smart Mapping technology for advanced navigation and mapping
✓ 2,500 Pa suction power with 3-stage cleaning system
✓ Self-Emptying and maintenance with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
✓ Wi-Fi connected and Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
Best for Powerful Suction: Dreame X30 Ultra
✓ 8,300Pa suction power with dual oscillating mop heads
✓ MopExtend cleaning capability
✓ Impressive obstacle avoidance with built-in LED for dim spaces
✓ Automatic detergent refills, dust collection, water refill and drain, and mop hot air drying
#1 Best Overall: Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Starting the list with The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra, the unit goes all-in on high-tech features, making it a true powerhouse for the cleaning obsessed. It boasts a formidable 6000Pa of suction, ensuring it devours dust, pet hair, and even larger debris with ease. Roborock's Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance utilizes a combination of LiDAR and a stereo camera to not only map your home meticulously but also identify and navigate around even small objects like cables and pet toys. The unit is equipped with a self-emptying and self-washing dock that are not only empties the dustbin but also automatically washes and dries the mopping pad, eliminating the need for manual cleaning altogether. Furthermore, the Roborock app allows for granular control over cleaning schedules, suction power, and even water flow for mopping.
The S8 Pro Ultra also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to have a granular control over cleaning schedules, suction power, water flow for mopping, and receive notifications when cleaning is complete. With a price point of around $1,000, the S8 Pro Ultra is a premium option for those looking for advanced features and performance.
Roborock S8 Pro Ultra
Best Overall
✓ 6000Pa suction power, tackling dust, pet hair, and large debris
✓ Smart obstacle avoidance with LiDAR and stereo camera navigation
✓ Self-emptying and self-washing dock
✓ Customizable cleaning with granular control over cleaning settings.
#2 Best for Budget: Roborock Q5+
Roborock Q5+
On the second line, we have the Roborock Q5, a solid mid-range option for those seeking a clean home without breaking the bank. It packs a punch with 2700Pa of suction and a maximum cleaning speed of 1.8 meters per second, which is enough to handle most everyday messes on various floor types, from hardwood to carpets. The Q5+ also boasts a large 5200mAh battery, allowing it to clean for up to 180 minutes on a single charge. Additionally, its advanced navigation system, which includes a 13-sensor array and a high-definition camera, enables it to map out your home and adapt to changing environments. The Q5+ also supports Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control it remotely through the Roborock app and schedule cleanings in advance. With a price point of $400, the Q5+ offers a great balance of performance and affordability. The Q5+ also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making it easy to integrate into your smart home setup.
While the LiDAR navigation might not be the most cutting-edge, it gets the job done efficiently, creating floor plans you can manage through the Roborock app. The real star of the show here is the self-emptying dock. With a 2.5L dust bag capacity, you can forget about emptying for weeks, making this a low-maintenance choice. However, keep in mind that it utilizes a simple drag mop with a static pressure of 10N, suitable for light dust and occasional spills. The S8 Pro Ultra also supports voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Roborock Q5+
Best for Budget
✓ 2700Pa suction power and a maximum cleaning speed of 1.8 meters per second
✓ 5200mAh battery with up to 180 minutes runtime
✓ 2.5 L dust bag lasting up to 7 weeks and filters 99.7% of pollen as small as 0.3 microns
✓ Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
#3 Best Hybrid Robot Vacuum: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
In the next of the line, we have the iRobot Roomba J7+ that caters to those seeking a smart and reliable robot vacuum with a focus on obstacle avoidance. It boasts a camera-based navigation system called PrecisionVision Navigation. This technology allows the J7+ to identify and avoid common household clutter like shoes, power cords, and even pet waste, preventing frustrating robot meltdowns. Under the hood, the J7+ packs a punch with 4000Pa of suction, making it adept at tackling pet hair, debris, and larger messes.
Continuing the convenience theme, the J7+ comes equipped with a clean base that automatically empties the dustbin into a larger internal container. This eliminates the need for frequent manual emptying, keeping your hands clean for up to 60 days between refills. The iRobot Home app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling cleaning schedules, creating no-go zones, and monitoring cleaning history. In terms of specifications, the J7+ utilizes LiDAR navigation for efficient mapping and room coverage. It boasts a run time of up to 100 minutes on a single charge, suitable for cleaning most medium-sized homes. The J7+ stands 3.3 inches tall, allowing it to navigate under furniture with ease.
iRobot Roomba J7+
Best for Obstacle Avoidance
✓ Self-emptying dustbin with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal with enclosed bags
✓ Intelligent "PrecisionVision Navigation" obstacle avoidance
✓ User-friendly iRobot Home app
✓ Compact auto-empty dock
#4 Best for Advanced Features: iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550)
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550)
The iRobot Roomba s9+ is a powerful and user-friendly robot vacuum designed for those who prioritize excellent cleaning performance on carpets. It delivers a robust 2,500Pa of suction, ideal for pet owners and households with thick carpets. Unlike the J7+, the s9+ relies on LiDAR navigation for mapping and room coverage. While it doesn't have the fancy camera-based obstacle avoidance of its J7+ sibling, the s9+ utilizes iRobot's proven bump sensor technology to navigate around furniture and walls efficiently.
Similar to the J7+, the s9+ features a clean base that automatically empties the dustbin into a larger internal container, keeping your hands clean for up to 60 days between refills. The iRobot Home app provides a user-friendly interface for controlling cleaning schedules, creating no-go zones, and monitoring cleaning history. The s9+ boasts a run time of up to 120 minutes on a single charge, making it suitable for cleaning larger homes. Standing 3.6 inches tall, it might struggle to navigate under some particularly low furniture.
iRobot Roomba s9+ (9550)
Best for Advanced Features
✓ Imprint Smart Mapping technology for advanced navigation and mapping
✓ 2,500 Pa suction power with 3-stage cleaning system
✓ Self-Emptying and maintenance with Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
✓ Wi-Fi connected and Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant compatible
#4 Best for Powerful Suction: Dreame X30 Ultra
Dreame X30 Ultra
The Dreame X30 Ultra caters to users seeking a powerful and feature-rich robot vacuum with a self-washing dock for a hands-off cleaning experience. It delivers an impressive 8,300Pa of suction, making it effective on various floor types, from hard floors to plush carpets. The X30 Ultra boasts a self-emptying and self-washing dock, maximizing convenience. This innovative dock automatically empties the dustbin after cleaning sessions and washes and dries the mopping pad, minimizing user interaction and maintenance needs. The Dreame app provides comprehensive control over cleaning schedules. You can set specific cleaning routines for different rooms or areas, allowing for a customized cleaning experience. The app also allows for adjusting suction power based on the floor type being cleaned. For example, you can set a higher suction power for carpets and a lower power for hard floors, optimizing cleaning performance and potentially extending battery life. Additionally, the app allows for controlling water flow for mopping, enabling you to adjust the level of dampness based on your needs.
Additionally, the X30 Ultra utilizes advanced LiDAR navigation for efficient mapping and room coverage. This precise navigation system ensures the robot cleans your entire home thoroughly and efficiently. The X30 Ultra boasts a run time of up to 260 minutes on a single charge, making it suitable for cleaning even the largest homes. Standing 3.8 inches tall, it offers a good balance between navigating under furniture and maintaining enough ground clearance for most obstacles.
Dreame X30 Ultra
Best for Powerful Suction
✓ 8,300Pa suction power with dual oscillating mop heads
✓ MopExtend cleaning capability
✓ Impressive obstacle avoidance with built-in LED for dim spaces
✓ Automatic detergent refills, dust collection, water refill and drain, and mop hot air drying
Compare Robot Vacuum Cleaners
Final Thoughts
In an age where convenience is important, robot vacuums have become essential for keeping our homes spotless with minimal effort. This year's top contenders offer a blend of advanced technology, efficiency, and user-friendly features that promise to make cleaning a breeze. Whether you're dealing with pet hair, daily debris, or need a deep clean, the latest models from brands like Roborock and iRobot are designed to handle almost any challenge. Each model in this list has been carefully selected based on performance, features, and consumer feedback, ensuring you find the perfect match for your cleaning needs.
If you like to read more about Robot Vacuum Cleaners, check out our other relevant guides here:
Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
iRobot Roomba i3 vs j7
Roborock S7 vs Q7: Better Mop vs Better Vacuum
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