The Best Roombas, Tested and Reviewed

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Spend less time cleaning dirt, debris, and pet hair off your floors with the programmable features and hands-free cleaning of a robot vacuum.

Whether you’re looking to mop the floor or lift pet hair from the carpet, there are robot vacuum cleaners that help tackle a multitude of household cleaning jobs. However, when it comes to new technology like a robot vacuum, there can be a lot of options.

Roomba robot vacuums, made by iRobot, are a well-known name in hands-free cleaners. The Roomba product line comes in a variety of small but effective robot vacuums with smart features such as household mapping, as well as control integrations through app, Wi-Fi, and voice.

Since iRobot has several models, it can be difficult to choose the best Roomba to suit your needs. Sometimes a hands-on test is a helpful way to truly know what works in a home, so we tested some of the most popular models in a home environment to find out which ones are the best. Keep reading to learn about some of the key considerations when choosing a Roomba, and see our hands-on evaluation results later in this article.

BEST OVERALL: iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550)
RUNNER-UP: iRobot Roomba i3 (3150)
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: iRobot Roomba 694
BEST FOR SMART MAPPING: iRobot Roomba 981
BEST FOR PET HAIR: iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020)
BEST FOR MOPPING: iRobot Braava Jet M6 (6110)

The Best Roomba Options — Photo: Anne Holub

How We Chose the Best Roombas

We tested many of the newest Roomba products from iRobot, including six robot vacuums and one robot mop. We used real-life situations to test the robots’ cycles and monitored their ability to navigate common obstacles, from cords to furniture.

To create additional metrics, we tested each against simulated “dust” in the form of sprinkled flour and “crumbs” by way of uncooked rice on hard floors. We also tested the ease of setup, charging, and operation to determine how easy or difficult each product is to use. While we rated each robot in the same category of usability, we considered how they stacked up against the old methods of manual cleaning as well.

Our Top Picks

The best Roomba robot vacuums offer enough suction power and smart capabilities to meet the needs of the users. Whether you’re looking for a crumb finder or a pet-hair attacker, the hands-on testing results of these robot vacuums can help shoppers pick the best Roomba for their needs. We tested these models in a home to see how they dealt with real dirt, pet hair, and debris as well as simulated dust (in the form of flour) and heavy crumbs (rice) to put the robot vacuums through their paces. Here’s how they did in real-life situations.

Best Overall

iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550)

The first robotic vacuum that ranked high in our testing has standard features such as iRobot’s three-stage cleaning system and dirt detector sensors paired with advanced suction power and smart navigation. Compared with earlier models, such as the 600 series, the Roomba i7+ has 10 times the suction power and it can hold up to 60 days’ worth of contents. Once it’s empty and charged, it will head out to clean some more until the job is done.

The smart navigation system on this Roomba i7+ learns the layout of a home, coordinates no-go zones, and builds smart maps so users can create and automate their cleaning schedule. Programming preferences can be done through the iRobot Home app and through voice prompts with Alexa or Google Assistant. We could see a map generated almost immediately, even after just a 5-minute test run.

For homes with pet dander and shedded fur, a dual multisurface rubber brush allows for easy release of hair to avoid tangling, while a high-efficiency filter traps 99 percent of dander and other common allergens. A recharge and resume feature automatically activates this Roomba i7+ after about 90 minutes of battery use. It comes loaded with filters and dust bags for the base, plus replacements for each. It also has extra brushes.

Product Specs

Size: 13.34 inches long by 13.26 inches wide by 3.63 inches high
Weight: 7.44 pounds
Battery Life: 90 minutes (recharge and resume feature)
Floor Type Compatibility: Carpets and hard flooring
Unique Features: Multisurface rubber brush, self-emptying dustbin

Pros

10 times more suction power than 600 series
Compatible with Google Assistant and Alexa
Suitable for homes with cat and/or dog hair
Extra filter, bag, and replacement brushes included

Cons

Does not include specialized corner cleaning
Some users have reported difficulties with the charging dock
Additional cost of dustbin disposal bags

Get the iRobot Roomba i7+ vacuum at Amazon.

Runner-up

iRobot Roomba i3 (3150)

Like the i7, the Roomba i3 has 10 times the power of the 600 series and coordinates with the iRobot app. The main difference is that this unit doesn’t map specific areas, so it won’t be able to recognize different zones. We found that it still takes orders via the app, and will clean (or return to home base) with the touch of a button.

Users can set a schedule through the app and track where the Roomba i3 has cleaned or use voice control to turn it on or off. Sensor technology helps the Roomba avoid getting stuck, and dirt-detector sensors simplify cleaning up messes. This Roomba i3 is also great for removing cat and dog hair, thanks to its multisurface rubber brush and high-efficiency filter. In testing, we found it did a good job handling obstacles like chair legs and ottomans.

Through the company’s Imprint Link technology, the iRobot Roomba i3 coordinates with the Braava Jet M6 robot mop so users can vacuum and then mop in sequence. When it’s running low on battery—after about 75 minutes of battery life—the Roomba i3 will automatically recharge and then resume cleaning.

Product Specs

Size: 13.34 inches long by 13.26 inches wide by 3.63 inches high
Weight: 11 pounds
Battery Life: 75 minutes (recharge and resume feature)
Floor Type Compatibility: Carpet and hard flooring
Unique Features: Imprint Link technology, compatible with Braava Jet M6 robot mop

Pros

10 times the suction power of 600 series
High-efficiency filter and multisurface rubber brush included
Voice controlled and app controlled

Cons

Less battery life compared to most robot vacuums from Roomba
Does not map specific areas; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the iRobot Roomba i3 vacuum at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

iRobot Roomba 694

Coordination with the iRobot app allows users some typically higher-end features such as online scheduling and voice activation with Alexa or Google Assistant. Though the 694 has lower suction than other more advanced models, it is one of the most affordable robot vacuums. Its three-stage cleaning system and multisurface brush lift dirt efficiently, while an edge-sweeping brush tackles corners and edges.

This pick for the best budget robotic vacuum doesn’t come with mapping capabilities, although adaptive navigation keeps it from bumping into furniture or falling down stairs. Dirt-detecting sensors allow for more thorough cleaning. A quieter runner than others we tested, it might be a great pick for spaces or situations where a not-so-loud robot cleaner is needed.

The 694 is ideal for smaller areas and will work best in rooms without clutter. An auto-adjust cleaning head helps the unit transition easily between low-pile carpet, medium-pile carpet, hardwood floors, and bare floors. It can run for up to 90 minutes before automatically recharging, but it will need to be reset before its next run.

Product Specs

Size: 13.4 inches long by 13.4 inches wide by 3.54 inches high
Weight: 6.8 pounds
Battery Life: 90 minutes
Floor Type Compatibility: Carpet and hardwood floors
Unique Features: Edge-sweeping brush

Pros

Suitable for small homes or spaces; has multiple cleaning cycles
Multisurface lift brush included for added cleaning power and effectiveness
Quieter run volume than other models tested
Affordable price point compared to most robot vacuums on this list

Cons

Requires resetting before cleaning cycles
Less suction power than other robotic vacuums
No mapping capabilities included; may not be ideal for some users’ preferences

Get the iRobot Roomba 694 vacuum at Amazon and Best Buy.

Best for Smart Mapping

iRobot Roomba 981

This Roomba isn’t going to win any awards for quiet operation, but it sure can clean up dirt! It cleaned our flour “dust” on the first pass and easily sucked up flour out of crevices between floorboards, where other robot vacuums left it. It has the power to vault over raised thresholds and automatically finds high traffic/high dirt areas where it should spend more time.

This unit actively captures thousands of measurements in order to identify different rooms and areas of the home. Once the home is mapped, users can use the app, Google Assistant, Alexa, or voice control to guide the unit to specific areas and cleaning tasks while also avoiding keep-out zones. It vacuums in neat rows using floor-tracking sensors to navigate and dirt-detecting sensors to clean up dust and debris. To accomplish this, the Roomba uses Adapt 2.0 Navigation with visual localization.

The suction on this unit is 10 times higher than models in the 600 series and can be automatically increased to clean deep into carpets. The 981 Roomba robotic vacuum cleans with pet-friendly features, including multisurface brushes and power-lifting suction with five times the air power of traditional vacuums. It will run for about 75 minutes before returning to the charging dock to power up and then resume cleaning. It will also link up with a Braava Jet M6 robot mop and tell it to go mop once it’s done vacuuming.

Product Specs

Size: 13.9 inches long by 13.9 inches wide by 3.58 inches high
Weight: 12.03 pounds
Battery Life: 75 minutes
Floor Type Compatibility: Carpets and hard floor types
Unique Features: Adapt 2.0 Navigation and visual localization

Pros

Comes with multisurface brushes and power-lifting suction
Offers recharge and resume function when low on battery
Compatible with voice control, Google Assistant, and Alexa
Can automatically pair with Braava Jet M6 robot mop

Cons

Some users have reported issues with the battery life
Louder vacuum operation than other models tested

Get the iRobot Roomba 981 vacuum at Best Buy.

Best for Pet Hair

iRobot Roomba s9+ (s955020)

If daily pet-hair vacuuming is a hassle, consider this option we tested in a house with dogs. The iRobot Roomba s9+ is one of the newest models from the brand and among the priciest, but its upgrades make it extremely efficient for pet-loving households. A three-stage cleaning system delivers 40 times the suction rate of the Roomba 600 series, and its new D-shaped body optimizes cleaning edges and corners. For deep carpet cleaning, it will automatically increase its suction. When the dustbin is full, the unit will dispose of its contents in the included automatic dirt disposal base. Its hands-off, corner cleaning, self-emptying features make it a prime pick if doing one more pass for dog and cat hair tumbleweeds brings tears.

This robot features the company’s smart mapping technology and sensors that are made to scan ahead at a rate of 25 times per second to detect obstacles in its path. This bundle comes with an extra edge-sweeping brush and a filter to keep up in homes with the most pet hair. Avoid letting the Roomba jostle the water bowls in the corner (and create more mess) by designating a “keep-out zone” for areas that don’t need to be tackled. Or tell it to make sure to do extra cleaning with a bonus cycle to grab tracked-in grass and dirt in the foyer using a voice-activated cycle via the app.

Product Specs

Size: 15 inches long by 15 inches wide by 15 inches high
Weight: 20 pounds
Battery Life: 120 minutes max (recharge and resume feature)
Floor Type Compatibility: Carpets and hardwood floors
Unique Features: Self-emptying dustbin, D-shaped body, and edge-sweep brush

Pros

3-stage cleaning system; 40 times more powerful than others
Smart mapping technology; scans 25 times per second
Extra filter, bag, and replacement brushes included
Recommended for homes with pets; cleans up dander and hair well

Cons

Expensive price point compared with similar models

Get the iRobot Roomba s9+ vacuum at Best Buy.

While this one isn’t exactly a Roomba, it’s certainly in the family and it pairs well with certain smart models from iRobot’s stable of vacuum robots. Meant for use on hardwood, tile, or stone floors, the M6 is perfect for cleaning spills, pet waste, and other messes. Similar to iRobot’s vacuums, the automated M6 mop features smart mapping and coordinated app control. Users can pair the app to voice-control devices in order to direct the bot to quickly clean up specified areas. Sensors allow it to easily navigate obstacles and avoid stairs.

In testing we found this mop did a lot of overlapping rows to clean across floors (taking up a lot of time and battery life), and there was some streaking left behind by the fluid (and little robot mop treads). Since iRobot’s cleaning fluid and cleaner pads need to be purchased regularly, these items need to factor into the budget.

For a true hands-off cleaning experience, this bot can connect to select Roomba models to automatically trigger mopping after a vacuum cycle. It comes with dry- sweeping as well as wet-mopping pads. The robot will automatically adjust its cleaning cycles to whichever type pad is attached.

Product Specs

Size: 10 inches long by 10.6 inches wide by 3.5 inches high
Weight: 4.85 pounds
Battery Life: 150 minutes
Floor Type Compatibility: Hardwood, tile, and/or stone floors
Unique Features: Mop and dry-sweeping functionality

Pros

Comes with several types of pads for various functions
Can clean pet waste, mud, and spills
Smart mapping and Roomba app-control included
Long battery life compared to other iRobot models available

Cons

May require vacuuming before use
High price point for services provided
Streaking and tire marks from robot visible after mopping
Requires Roomba-brand cleaning cloths and floor cleaner to operate

Get the iRobot Braava Jet M6 vacuum at Amazon and Best Buy.

Jump to Our Top Picks

What to Consider When Choosing a Roomba

One great thing about Roomba vacuumss is that there’s a model to suit almost every size home and budget. Because of the range, options will vary in each product’s smart features, suction power, battery life, and cleaning capabilities. When selecting the best Roomba for your needs, consider your cleaning goals and review these common shopping considerations.

Navigation and Mapping

All Roombas include obstacle sensors, and they can detect areas with dirt and debris. Higher-end models will have more advanced navigation and mapping systems and some can map an entire home, which can then be used to specify cleaning areas through a downloadable app. While all of them have the ability to respond to virtual wall barriers, the company offers an additional device called the Dual Mode Virtual Wall that can create the virtual barriers to fence in a Roomba.

Users can give specific areas names such as “living room” or “kitchen” for custom schedules and voice activation. For instance, if there are crumbs under the kitchen table, users can tell their Roomba to “clean under the kitchen table.” Areas of the home where children or pets might be playing can be set as “off-limits” areas. The vacuum’s “clean map reports” allow the user to see where the Roomba cleaned and for how long.

Smart Capabilities

Mapping is just one of the Roomba’s many smart capabilities. The iRobot Home app lets owners have complete control over their cleaning schedule and preferences directly from their smartphone or tablet. Users can activate their Roomba while away from home or schedule it to start cleaning at a specified time.

The Roomba app will also log the machine’s cleaning history so users can keep track of which areas have been vacuumed. To use the convenient voice-activation feature, most models are compatible with Alexa or Google Home. As a bonus, some models can also be linked with iRobot’s smart mops for coordinated cleaning.

Roombas all come equipped with a self-charging feature, so when they are low on battery power, these smart devices will return to their charging stations. Some include a “recharge and resume” feature so that the device can continue cleaning where it left off, bu

The Best Roombas, Tested and Reviewed

How We Chose the Best Roombas

Our Top Picks