Do you no longer want to spend your time vacuuming, or maybe you have limited mobility that makes the chore difficult? Are you considering purchasing a robotic vacuum cleaner? No matter your reason, you will want to consider the features available and the right vacuum for you and your lifestyle. In 5 Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners – Buying Guide, I compare and review 5 of the best robotic vacuum cleaners available to help you in your purchasing decision.
These 5 robotic vacuums include the Eufy Robovac, Roborock Q5, iRobot Roomba 980, Shark IQ, and the iRobot Roomba i7+. However, if you’re not quite sure what features are available or what to look for in a robotic vacuum, take a look at a previous post, Robotic Vacuum Cleaner ( Buying Guide), which explores various options and features of robotic vacuum cleaners.
Preview Table Guide:
Note: At the bottom of this post, there is a side-by-side comparison table that makes it easy to see the commonalities and differences between the vacuums.
Eufy Boost IQ RoboVac 11s (Slim)
Features
- Automatically Recharges
- BoostIQ Technology
- Climbing Threshold – 0.63 inches
- Color – Black
- Infrared Sensor For Evading Obstacles
- Run Time – 100 minutes bare floor
- Slim Design
- Suction – 2000 Pa
- Asin: – B07R295MLS
The Eufy BoostIQ Robo Vac 11s (Slim) is an entry-level affordable robot vacuum but does come with some good features. Being slim at only 2.85,” it can go under some furniture where larger vacuums are not. But do be aware that sometimes it gets stuck under furniture and can’t find its way out. With BoostIQ Technology, when it comes to an area that needs more vacuuming strength within 1.5 seconds, it will automatically increase the suction power.
Ideal for low- to medium-pile carpets, tile, laminated, and hardwood floors. However, if you have high-pile carpet or dark-colored floors, this vacuum is probably not the one for you.
Running Time
The estimated running time on laminate and hardwood floors is up to 100 minutes. For carpet, the run time decreases. This decrease in run time, depending on the surface, is expected and common in most robot vacuums.
The path the Eufy Robo Vac 11s follows is random as it does not have mapping capability.
Warranty
It comes with a 12-month warranty that covers quality issues. There is also an extended protection plan available for an added cost.
Pros
- Price Point
- Customer Service
- Slim Design
Cons
- No WiFi or mapping
- Not Suitable for Medium or High Pile Carpet
The Eufy is an entry-level vacuum with a great price point. The customer service is reported to be excellent. However, be aware that it does not have some features, like mapping or learning the layout of your home/office, and will randomly vacuum a room without knowing where it has already been. If you are looking for something with “smart” capabilities, you will most likely be disappointed in the performance. However, it is our choice for the best robot vacuum without wifi.
The Eufy works best on tile, laminate, and hardwood floors. However, saying that or the price, it’s a good little robotic vacuum. If you go in knowing that the Eufy is an entry-level vacuum and doesn’t have mapping capability or the many of the features the more expensive robotic vacuums have, then you won’t be disappointed.
What Comes In the Box
- RoboVac 11S
- Remote Control (2AAA batteries included)
- Charging Base
- AC Power Adapter
- Cleaning Tool
- 1 Side Brushes
- User Guide
- 12 Month Warranty
Roborock Q5 Robot Vacuum
Features
- Color – Black
- Mapping Capability
- Up to 4 Maps
- Multiple Cleaning Modes
- Washable Filter
- Run Time – Up to 180 Minutes
- Suction – 2700Pa
- No Go Zones
- Hard Floor, Wood, Carpet
- Customer Service Support
The Roborock
The Roborock Q5 has a lot of suction power, coming in at 2700Pa, which is more than some more expensive units. Having a battery life of up to 180 minutes, it has the ability to clean up to 3230 SF.
The Roborock also has fall sensing that helps keep the robot away from ledges and drops.
The no-go zones keeps the vacuum out of areas that you don’t want it to enter. For example, a playroom or around pet bowls. You have the ability to set 10 no-go zones.
Mapping
With PreciSense LiDAR, you can virtually add furniture to the maps, and the Roborock has the ability to create and save four maps.
App
The Roborock app allows you to control the Q5 with such features as viewing the vacuuming route, creating no-go zones, adjusting the suction power, and setting schedules.
2.4Ghz Wi-Fi is required for the app connection.
Pros
- 2700Pa Suction
- Mulit-Level Mapping
- App-controlled
Cons
- No Hepa-Filter
What Comes In the Box:
- Roborock Q5 Robotic Vacuum
- Charging Dock
- Power Cable
- User Manual
With its mapping capability and multiple cleaning modes, the Roborock Q5 will ensure that your floors are clean and dust-free. The vacuum is designed to run for up to 180 minutes on a single charge, and features a washable filter for easy maintenance.
It can map up to 4 areas and can run for up to 180 minutes on a single charge. Best of all, it features a washable filter for easy maintenance; meaning you can keep your home clean and tidy without spending a fortune on replacement filters.
iRobot Roomba 980 -Renewed
Features
- Works with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Color – Black
- High-Efficiency Filter
- Mapping
- Run Time – up to 120 minutes
- WiFi Connected
iRobot Roomba is one of the oldest brands in robotic vacuums and a little more expensive than other brands. You may be able to get a vacuum that has the same features at a smaller price point than the iRobot Roomba, but you won’t get the brand name you might know and trust. Please be aware that this is a renewed model.
WiFi
The iRobot Roomba 980 is a basic model and is refurbished but does have WiFi capability and will work with both Alexa and Google Assistant. With WiFi connectivity comes the ability to map your home/office. With the aid of your smartphone, it will tell you if it is stuck, finished, or needs the dust bin to be emptied; however, it does not create no-go zones. Like other robotic vacuums, you do not need to have WiFi to vacuum; you just won’t have the ability to map.
Miscellaneous
As an entry-level iRobot, there is no remote control. To start a cleaning cycle without WiFi, you press the CLEAN button. It does have the ability to return to its charging station/base when the battery is low on charge.
iRobot Roomba 980 is ideal for hard floors and carpets.
It comes with a high-efficiency filter that captures 99% of all allergens, pollen, and small particles.
Pros
- Name Brand
- Mapping
- High-Efficiency Filter
Cons
- No Remote
- No Keep-Out Zones
The iRobot Roomba 980 is one of the more basic models from iRobot. It doesn’t come with many of the features a less well-known brand may have. However, it does get good reviews, and the features it does have, such as the high-efficiency filter, are great and it is a reliable product.
Shark RV1001AE IQ Robot
Features
- App or Voice – Controlled
- Automatic Emptying
- Color – Black
- Mapping
- Multiple Cleaning Modes
- Can Take Up To 6 Hours To Fully Charge
- Run Time – Up to 60 Minutes
- Scheduled Cleanings
- 1-year Limited Warranty
- Asin – B07S864GPW
Read: An In-Depth Review of the Shark Robot
Video: SharkClean App
Pros
- Mapping
- Scheduling
- Self Emptying
Cons
- Loud On Startup And Emptying
- No – No Go Zone Ability
- Some Reports Of Mapping Problems
What Comes In The Box
- Shark IQ Robot
- Self-Empty Base
- 2 Side Brushes
- Filter
- Boundary Strips
iRobot Roomba i7+
Features
- Automatic Dirt Disposal
- Climbing Threshold – 5/8”
- Color – Black
- High-Efficiency Filter
- Keep-Out Zones
- Mapping
- Run Time – Up to 75 Minutes
- Scheduling
- 1-year Limited Warranty
- Asin – B07GNPDMRP
Pros
- Automatic Emptying
- Mapping
- Supports both 2.4 and 5GHz networks
Cons
- High Price Point
- Bags Are Not Reusable
- Hair Can Tangle in Wheels
What Comes In the Box
- Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier
- Extra High-Efficiency Filter,
- Extra Side Brush
- North American Line Cord
- Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum
- Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
- Dirt Disposal Bags
The iRobot Roomba i7+ is a top-of-line robotic vacuum. It has many features like mapping and scheduling, but the main feature that makes it more expensive than other models is the automatic disposal of the dirt it collects. Is the extra price worth that feature – it’s something you’ll need to decide.
Robot Vacuum Comparison Chart
| Features | Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11s | Roborock Q5 | iRobot Roomba 980 | Shark IQ Robot | iRobot Roomba i7+ |
|  |  |  |  | |
| Allergen | —- | —- | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter | High-Efficiency Filter |
| Auto Empty | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Return To Dock | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning Modes | Multiple | Multiple | Not Stated | Multiple – 3 | Not Stated |
| Fall Avoid/Cliff Warning | Drop Sensing Technology | Yes | Not Stated | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Black | Black | Black | Black | Black |
| Flooring | Tile, Laminate, Hardwood, Low, and Medium Pile Carpet | Hard Floor, Wood, Carpet | Hard Floors and Carpet | Hardwood and Wooded Floors, Tile and Low-Pile Carpets | Carpet and Hardwood |
| Mapping | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mop | No | No | No | No | No |
| Keep-Out Zone | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Run Time | Bare Floors – 100 Minutes | Up to 180 Minutes | Up To 120 Minutes | Up To 60 Minutes Carpet Not Reported | Bare Floors – 150 Minutes Carpet Not Reported |
| Scheduling | Yes – Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suction | 2000Pa | 2700Pa | Doesn’t Report | Doesn’t Report | Doesn’t Report |
| Remote Control | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| WiFi | No | Yes – 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi Alexa, Google Home, and Siri | Yes Echo | Yes 2.4 GHz Alexa or Google Voice Assistant Capability | Yes 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz Alexa or the Google Voice Assistant Capability |
| Climbing Threshold | 0.63″ | Not Stated | Not Stated | Not Stated | 0.63″ |
| Dimensions | 12.79″L x 12.79″W x 2.85″H | 13.78″x 13.78″ x 3.8″ | 18.9″ x 16.69″ x 5.28″ | 12.90″ x 12.60″ x 3.50″ | 13.34″ x 13.26″ x 3.63″ |
| Weight | 5.73 lbs | 7.05 lbs | 11.18 lbs | 13.20 lbs | 7.44 lbs |
| Warranty | 1-Year | Not Mentioned | 90-day | 1-Year | 1-Year Limited |
| Price | Price | Price | Price | Price | Price |
Additional Reading
In Conclusion
I hope you found 5 Best Robot Vacuum Cleaners – Buying Guide helpful in your search for the robot vacuum that is right for you and your lifestyle.
As with all reviews, the options and features may change in time, so if you are interested in purchasing a robotic vacuum cleaner, you should click the link and be sure all the features discussed are still the same as they were at the time of writing this article.
Do you have any stories or comments about robot vacs? I would love to hear them – please comment below.
