What is the Best Roomba Vacuum Right Now?
A robot vacuum is a worthwhile investment, but it can still be a lot of money to spend on a household product. Whatever the price, you want a quality device that can reliably tackle your floor’s cleaning needs. Luckily, iRobot has been around the block for a while and has several reputable robot vacuums you can buy. At ZDNET, we’ve spent a lot of time testing and reviewing machines made by iRobot and other manufacturers to help you make the right purchase.
The Best iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuums of 2024
We’ve done hands-on testing with and reviewed several Roomba vacuums, evaluating each for design, mapping, self-emptying capabilities, pet waste avoidance skills, smart technology, and cost to help you find the best iRobot vacuum for your home. Based on our testing, the iRobot Roomba j7+ is our pick for the best iRobot vacuum overall, thanks to its smart navigation, self-emptying features, and great price. Read on for the rest of our picks for the best Roomba vacuums.
The Best iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuums
| Best iRobot vacuum | Cost | Clean Base |
| iRobot Roomba j7+ | $430 | Yes |
| iRobot Roomba s9+ | $935 | Yes |
| iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ | $1,200 | Yes |
| iRobot Roomba Combo Essential | $160 | No |
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Roomba Vacuum
- Floor types: Some robot vacuums are equipped to work with certain floor types, like carpet or hardwood. Others may be able to accommodate other floor types, like stone or marble. Before you buy, consider the types of flooring in your home and which vacuum is most appropriate.
- Mapping: For full automation, your robot vacuum must have a mapping feature to navigate each room. You also want to consider an obstacle avoidance feature that can avoid things like furniture, wires, and even pet waste.
- Battery: An iRobot vacuum is hardly worth it if it doesn’t have the battery to keep it going. Consider the battery time before choosing the best robot vacuum to ensure it has enough power to clean your home.
- Connectivity: Many of the best robot vacuums offer voice control, some even with Alexa. Others may feature an app that allows you to control your robot from afar, set schedules, track progress, and control the machine’s efforts.
How We Test Robot Vacuums at ZDNET in 2024
At ZDNET, we have several robot vacuum reviewers who have tested over 50 units thus far. We conduct tests in real homes with real challenges, and in a controlled lab environment for comparison.
Our Testing Process
- Determine evaluation criteria: For our key evaluation criteria, we consider how robots perform by assessing their suction power, navigation, mapping, and battery life. We also assess the user experience, the robot’s versatility, longevity, and whether it delivers on its specifications.
- Unboxing: During this process, we assess the packaging and setup experience and note any accessories and unique features.
- Testing environments: We test the robot vacuums on different floor types (like carpet and hardwood) and see how they navigate various obstacles to test performance.
- Performance metrics: We test suction power with various debris types and assess obstacle navigation and mapping accuracy.
- Extra features: When testing robot vacuum and mop combinations, we evaluate their effectiveness at removing stains and overall cleaning quality. We also check how unique features work, like obstacle avoidance and recognition, extendable mop pads, etc.
Conclusion
iRobot vacuums are a worthwhile investment, but it’s crucial to choose the right one for your needs. With the right features, you can simplify your cleaning routine and save time. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end model, there’s an iRobot Roomba out there for you. Read our full reviews to find the best Roomba vacuum for your home.
FAQs
Q: What is the best Roomba vacuum for pet owners?
A: The iRobot Roomba s9+ is our top pick for pet owners, with its powerful suction and advanced pet hair management features.
Q: What is the best budget-friendly Roomba vacuum?
A: The iRobot Roomba Combo Essential is our top pick for those on a budget, offering great features at an affordable price.
Q: What is the best Roomba vacuum for large homes?
A: The iRobot Roomba j7+ is our top pick for larger homes, with its advanced navigation and mapping features.
Q: Can I use multiple Roomba vacuums in my home?
A: Yes, many iRobot vacuums are compatible with multiple robots, allowing you to control and schedule multiple units from a single app.
