When you’re shopping for a smart vacuum, iRobot is a brand that is usually top of mind. Positioning itself as the leader in robotic vacuum technology, the brand has maintained a consistent presence in this particular product offering niche, never veering from its purpose. While iRobot has a more focused product offering centered around the robot vacuum niche than other vacuum manufacturers, they’re known for crafting a quality product that is innovative and effective.
Initially known for just robotic vacuums, iRobot has since expanded to include wet/dry robotic vacuums and robotic mops. Most importantly, they’re known for vacuums that hold a charge and can run for extended periods and smart technology, like voice control integration with smart assistants, to ensure more effective and thorough cleaning sessions.
Keep reading our iRobot vacuum buying guide to learn more. Or, if you’re not sure which vacuum style is best for you, check out our best vacuum cleaner buying guide.
Top iRobot Vacuums
#1 iRobot i355020 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features impressive cleaning power and multiple sensors to ensure spruced-up floors without getting stuck. In addition, this unit offers supreme convenience for internet-connected homes thanks to voice controls and a mobile app.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Impressive suction power
- Voice controls
- Great charging base
- Not ideal for carpets
The iRobot i355020 vacuum cleaner is an excellent pick for users looking for a robot vacuum to automatically minimize dirt, dust, and pet dander in their homes. This model features a sturdy charging bass that empties the robot vacuum for up to 60 days without human interference. While this model isn’t ideal for tall or thick carpets, users will love the iRobot mobile app that lets them set smart maps to work around problem areas or schedule maintenance room-by-room.
In addition to smart mapping and a charging base, the iRobot i355020 vacuum cleaner offers multiple avenues of smart home connectivity. While the iRobot Home App works very well, users can start a cleaning cycle by voice, thanks to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility. Additionally, this model has multiple sensors to detect furniture, staircases, and pets. Lastly, users will love the cleaning suggestions and time estimates via the iRobot Home App.
#2 iRobot R692020 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model offers smart features and voice controls for an automatic home maintenance tool for busy families or animal lovers. Additionally, this unit features numerous sensors to ensure a thorough clean across an entire home.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Impressive running time
- 3-stage cleaning
- Voice controls
- Somewhat noisy
The iRobot R692020 vacuum cleaner is an excellent pick for users looking for automatic maintenance of their hard floors and low-profile carpeted rooms. This model features a durable build quality and multiple environmental sensors to keep it from falling down stairs or getting stuck on a table leg. Additionally, this model features a self-charging base and a staggering 90-minute running time. While this model is somewhat noisy, users will love the excellent suction power ideal for pet hair and embedded dirt.
In addition to great suction and multiple safety sensors, the iRobot R692020 vacuum cleaner features WiFi connectivity so that users can integrate this robot vacuum into their smart home setup. This model supports Amazon Alexa and Google Home and allows users to start a cleaning cycle with voice controls. Additionally, this vacuum cleaner features a Dirt Detector Sensor that alerts the unit about high-volume areas and dirtier areas that need detailed attention.
#3 iRobot R694020 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR BUSY PARENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This unit offers an exceptional running time and multiple safety sensors to perform regular household maintenance without interfering with family time. In addition, this model features powerful suction and deep-penetrating brushes to clean most surface messes.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Exceptional brush system
- Amazon Alexa compatible
- Self-charging base
- No manual operation options
The iRobot R694020 vacuum cleaner is a compelling option for parents or busy professionals needing to save time around the house. This robot vacuum offers a 90-minute runtime and automatically docks itself for charging after a cleaning cycle. Additionally, this model provides adaptive navigation to maneuver around and under furniture or along baseboards. While this model doesn’t offer manual operation, the iRobot Home App provides multiple features to deliver next-level automation to your cleaning routine.
In addition to an extended runtime and automatic operation, the iRobot R694020 vacuum cleaner delivers a modern robot vacuum that accounts for obstacles, furniture, and ledges thanks to numerous sensors. The three-stage cleaning system and two multi-surface brushes agitate embedded dirt from carpets and hard floors, and the sweeping brushes capture dirt and dust from corners and edges. Lastly, this robot vacuum is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so that users can start a cleaning cycle with their voices.
#4 iRobot i315020 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR APARTMENTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features a smartphone app and internet connectivity to deliver an automatic cleaning solution for users wanting a break from daily chores. In addition, this model starts where it is left off if the unit needs to recharge before a cleaning cycle completes.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Efficient pathing
- Automatic charging
- Cleaning suggestions
- Small dust bin
The iRobot i315020 vacuum cleaner is an excellent pick for users looking for a convenient tool in the fight against dust, dirt, and household allergens. This robot vacuum features numerous safety sensors to ensure safe passage throughout your home, and the vacuum can run for up to 90 minutes on a full charge. Additionally, this model features an auto-adjusting cleaning head to automatically detect and optimize its height for an excellent clean on carpet or hard floors.
In addition to automatic surface detection and an extended running time, the iRobot i315020 vacuum cleaner keeps your family, animals, and furniture safe thanks to impressive safety sensors. The Cliff Detect feature ensures your robot vacuum avoids stairs and ledges, and the Edge-Sweeping Brush displaces dirt and detects obstacles. Lastly, the Dirt Detect Sensor identifies problem areas, like high-traffic walkways and delivers a focused and detailed cleaning session.
#5 iRobot i455220 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR ANIMAL LOVERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This model features multi-surface brushes and adaptive cleaning technology to deliver an excellent unit for animal lovers looking to cut down on dust and dander. Additionally, this unit offers smart home connectivity and is compatible with voice controls through Google Assistant.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Convenient dust removal
- Great running time
- Personalized scheduling
- Dirt bag is finnicky
The iRobot i455220 vacuum cleaner is a stellar choice for users looking for a convenient tool to keep animal hair and household allergens to a minimum. This model can connect to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so users can activate a cleaning cycle with their voice. Additionally, users will love the automatic scheduling based on their cleaning habits. While the dust receptacle in the charging base is difficult to replace, it is an AllergenLock bag that keeps potentially harmful or distressing particles from escaping back into your home.
In addition to great dust bags and automatic scheduling, the iRobot i455220 vacuum cleaner offers an exceptional clean thanks to the various sensors and powerful brushes. The three-stage cleaning system agitates and captures dirt while the powerful suction removes the mess from your floors. Additionally, the Dirt-Detect feature senses dirty areas in your home and details that spot until it is clean. Lastly, users will love the smartphone app that gives them control over cleaning schedules and charging cycles.
#6 iRobot i755020 Vacuum Cleaner
Award: BEST FOR A BIG HOUSE
WHY WE LIKE IT: This feature-rich model offers top-quality cleaning for multi-surface homes with minimal maintenance for users themselves. In addition, users can access specialized settings via a smartphone app, and the unit can start and stop with voice controls.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][su_box title=”Pros” box_color=”#4DB227″ radius=”0″][su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#4DB227″]- Premium build quality
- Powerful suction
- High-efficiency filter
- Automatic emptying is loud
The iRobot i755020 vacuum cleaner is a compelling option for users with large homes that need a durable and powerful robot vacuum to save them time. This model features Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes that don’t get tangled with hair, and they flex to keep in close contact with carpets and hard floors. While the auto-emptying base gets loud while removing dirt from the vacuum, the dust bag lasts for up to 60 days without charging.
In addition to automatic emptying and tough rubber brushes, the iRobot i755020 vacuum cleaner offers a smart-home-ready device that can start a cleaning cycle with voice controls or the associated iRobot Home App. This unit also features vSLAM navigation, a technology that allows the robot vacuum to learn the layout of your home, optimizing its path and cleaning lines. Additionally, this model offers a three-stage cleaning system and extra suction power to take care of stubborn messes.
Introduction to iRobot Vacuums
iRobot is an American technology company founded in 1990 by roboticists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Their goal was to create robots that everyday consumers could use in more practical applications rather than as the exclusive domain of manufacturers and big business brands.
While most people only know iRobot for their vacuums, the brand has always included a commercial solutions division. This division provides support to a wide range of industries, including space and underwater exploration, archeology with the National Geographic Society, search and rescue support during the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, and even military support for U.S. troops.
Within its robotic consumer products division, the brand is still best known for its cutting-edge robotic vacuums that feature powerful suction. However, iRobot also makes other non-automated electronics, such as air purifiers and a traditional handheld vacuum. Most importantly, the brand is known for creating products that rely on machine learning to create a more personalized product that adapts to your cleaning needs and develops more efficient processes that accommodate your living habits.
That said, even though iRobot’s vacuum technology is considered state of the art, they lack a robust traditional vacuum category, such as offering the best water filtration vacuums.
How iRobot Vacuums Compare to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Quiet Operation: Compared to some robotic vacuums, such as the Miele Scout RX2, iRobot’s Roomba is usually quieter, offering a low noise output of just 58 decibels. That’s about the sound of someone having a quiet conversation in another room.
(Con 1) iRobot Has a Premium Price Tag: While iRobot is consistently rated as the top of the line option for robotic vacuums, that complement comes with a caveat — it’s not a budget robot vacuum brand. Now that robotic vacuums aren’t such a rarity anymore, it’s easier to find more affordable robot vacuum cleaners, such as with the popular Anker spin-off consumer home goods brand, Eufy.
(Pro 2) Better Technological Innovations: iRobot has been in existence since 1990. They’ve had a serious head start on robotic vacuum technology. This can include advanced navigation, multiple cleaning modes, spot cleaning, and effective cleaning for pet hair. This brand consistently ranks at the top of the field for innovative self-propelled compact robot functionality.
(Con 2) Many of the More Popular Tech Features Require Upgrades: However, while iRobot might be the leader of the tech-savvy vacuum pack, many of the premium features aren’t found on their basic models. Attractive features such as carpet boost, advanced sensors, customized cleaning preferences, recharge and resume, and even a tangle-free roller are often reserved for their more advanced models. In contrast, competitors like the best Bissel vacuums or the best water filtration vacuums offer attractive influential features across all price points.
(Pro 3) Strong Cleaning Performance on All Floor Types: Unlike its competitors, iRobot vacuums consistently perform well on all floor types, including medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors. This can be ideal for people with more than just one type of flooring in their home.
(Con 3) Shorter Run Times Than Competitors: While typically more powerful across categories, iRobot tends to have shorter battery life on a full charge and requires more time to recharge its lithium-ion batteries to full capacity. On average, an iRobot vacuum needs an extra 30 minutes on its charging dock compared to other brands, but this only adds about 10 minutes of run time.
Why You Should Buy an iRobot Vacuum
If you’re looking for an innovative technology that effectively cleans your floors and allows for customization, iRobot is the frontrunner that should be at the top of your list. Thanks to decades of experience in the robotics space, this brand has perfected automated floor cleaning and added hallmark features such as mapping and their latest feature, iRobot Genius. Better still, their companion apps allow you to control and adjust your cleaning needs remotely.
iRobot Genius can sync with other smart devices in your home. But it also learns every time it cleans your floors, ensuring that it focuses on high traffic areas or to only clean at certain times when you’re not home so that it’s not disrupting your routine. Because it relies on machine learning, Genius can even recommend cleaning schedules that are more convenient for your lifestyle.
There’s no denying that iRobot vacuums are a premium option with a price tag to match. But they do offer entry-level models that are only a few hundred dollars. While not price competitive, they tend to outperform competitors thanks to the years of innovation this brand has enjoyed over others, such as Bissel, Miele, or Eufy. However, keep in mind that this brand is predominantly a robotic vacuum company. Even though they do have one handheld vacuum in their product catalog, it is not the focus of their consumer outreach by far.
How Long Will iRobot Vacuums Last?
Similar to a traditional upright vacuum, you can expect to get anywhere from four to six years of consistent use out of your iRobot vacuum before it needs to be replaced. Note that this refers to the physical body and not the lithium-ion rechargeable battery that may need to be replaced more frequently.
Typically, you can expect the lithium-ion battery to last for a few hundred charges or cleaning cycles before needing a new one. In most cases, you should be able to achieve 200 to 400 charging cycles on your battery before replacing it. For best results, you should use your iRobot vacuum regularly and ensure that it’s cleaned and charged frequently to help extend your vacuum’s lifespan. More importantly, don’t forget to fully drain the battery every once in a while to boost battery performance.
iRobot Vacuum Warranty
Similar to many companies, iRobot offers a limited manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty is valid for one year from the date of purchase and guarantees that if the product has a defect or stops working, iRobot will repair or replace the product at no cost to the consumer. The purchase must be made either directly through iRobot or an authorized seller, reseller, or dealer for the warranty to be valid.
iRobot also offers a limited 90-day warranty for refurbished product purchases. Like the new product purchase limited warranty, the 90-day warranty promises to replace or repair defective items at no charge to the consumer as long as you purchased the product directly through iRobot or an authorized seller, reseller, or dealer.
