What is the best Roomba alternative in 2024?
The iRobot Roombas have totally dominated the robot vacuum market. This can be attributed to the fact that they were among the very first robotic vacuum cleaners and their efficient cleaning ability of dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair. Also, their durability is a huge plus.
However, they can be a bit pricey – especially the newest models such as the Roomba s9+. So, finding a good alternative can save you a ton of money while giving you a much-needed solution to keep your floors.
In this article, we present thirteen robot vacuums that are worthy of a mention for anyone looking for a robot vacuum but wants something different.
A Comparison of the Best Roomba Alternatives
We have several options from some of the best robot vacuum manufacturers in the world. The top brands competing with iRobot Roombas include:
- Shark
- eufy
- Roborock
- ECOVACS
- ILIFE
- GOOVI
- Pure Clean
Before we review each product, here is an overview of their main features:
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| Name | No-go zones | Mopping | Max runtime | Dirt capacity | Recharge & resume | Navigation | Control | Cleaning schedule | Multi-floor mapping |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shark IQ Self-Empty | Boundary strips | No | 60 min. | 0.17 quarts | Yes | IQ NAV | App, voice | Yes | No |
| 2. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C | Boundary strips | No | 100 min. | 600ml | Recharge only | Bounce | App, voice, remote | Yes | No |
| 3. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S | None | No | 100 min. | 600ml | Recharge only | Bounce | Remote | Yes | No |
| 4. Roborock S6 | Virtual barriers | Yes | 180 min. | 480ml | Yes | Smart LDS | App, voice | Yes | Yes |
| 5. Roborock S5 MAX | Virtual barriers | Yes | 150 min. | 460ml | Yes | High-precision laser | App, voice | Yes | Yes |
| 6. Roborock E35 | None | Yes | 150 min. | 640ml | Yes | Inertial | App, voice | Yes | No |
| 7. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S | None | No | 110 min. | 520ml | Recharge only | Random | App, voice, remote | Yes | No |
| 8. ECOVACS DEEBOT 711S | None | No | 130 min. | 520ml | Recharge only | Smart Navi 2.0 | App, voice, remote | Yes | No |
| 9. ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 | Virtual barriers | Yes | 200 min. | 430ml | Yes | Smart Navi 3.0 | App, voice | Yes | Yes |
| 10. ILIFE A9 | Virtual barriers | No | 120 min. | 600ml | Yes | Gen 2 Panoview | App, voice, remote | Yes | No |
| 11. ILIFE V8s | None | Yes | 80 min. | 750ml | Recharge only | i-Move gyro | Remote | Yes | No |
| 12. GOOVI D382 | None | No | 120 min. | 500ml | Recharge only | Random | App, voice, remote | Yes | No |
| 13. Pure Clean PUCRC25 V3 | None | No | 55 min. | 200ml | No | Random | Manual | No | No |
Reviews of the Best Roomba Alternatives 2024
After a lengthy period of research, we have come up with a list of 13 best alternatives for Roombas. Most of these products offer high-quality cleaning, sufficient run-time and most off all, save you some money that can be used in other investments.
Under each item, we will be highlighting the features briefly but comprehensively. Also, we’ll take a look at the pros & cons so that you can make an informed decision on which one to go for. These are the best Roomba alternatives in 2024:
1. Shark IQ Self-Empty Base Robot Vacuum – best Roomba alternative
Shark IQ Self-Empty Robot Vacuum is the best alternative for the Roombas this year. And for many reasons, the main one being that it can empty itself. Amazing, isn’t it? With the other robots in this list, you have to intervene every time the bin fills up.
However, the Shark IQ returns to base and empties itself. Guess the only other brand to have developed this feature. Yeah, you guessed right – iRobot. This advanced technology was first spotted on the Roomba i7+ and then the s9+. We, therefore, commend Shark for catching up so fast.
Other amazing features of the vacuum are the IQ Navigation and mapping system. The vacuum can be able to navigate the house while taking note of each and every room. Then, you can choose which room or rooms you want to be cleaned – using the app or BotBoundary strips.
Also, the robot automatically recharges at its dock and returns to work. So, this is another feature in common with the iRobot Roombas. Other interesting features include self-cleaning brushroll, voice control as well as edge-to-edge cleaning.
Features
- Weighs 5.87 pounds
- Motor: 35.3 Watts, 1.8 Amps
- Self-emptying technology
- Automatic recharge & resume
- Two angled edge-cleaning brushes
- Dirt bin capacity: 0.17 quarts
- Cleaning path: 5.63 inches
- Non-washable filter
- App control
- Voice control (Alexa or Google Assistant)
- BotBoundary strips
- IQ NAV room navigation
- ‘Find my robot’ feature
- Runtime: up to 1 hour
- Dimensions (inches): 12.9L x 12.6W x 3.5H
Pros
- It has amazingly powerful suction
- The self-emptying feature helps to avoid manual emptying of the bin
- The self-empty base has a large capacity
- Strong build
- Smooth navigation
- Cleans both carpets and bare floors well
- The runtime is commendable
Cons
- Mapping is not as good as that of the latest Roombas
- It can be loud especially on hard floors
- Hair occasionally gets tangled on the brushroll
Click here to see its current price.
2. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Another worthy robot that you can consider instead of a Roomba is the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C. The eufy brand has been in the market for some time now and has found its way in many homes.
The flagship technology by eufy is called BoostIQ. How does it work? You see, there are dirt-ridden spots, especially where there is a lot of movement. Once the vacuum senses more dirt, it automatically increases suction in a record 1.5 seconds.
There are two options in this list, but the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C is the newer model. Just like the Shark IQ, it also has some amazing features that place it firmly in the best Roomba alternatives compilation.
Apart from powerful suction, the RoboVac 30C navigates smoothly as it picks up dirt and debris from different floor types. So, if you have hard floors or low to medium-pile carpets, this is a good pick. Also, large wheels allow the robot to climb over ledges as it cleans.
To prevent falling down the stairs or off edges, drop-sensing technology is in place. There are also Dual-Hall Sensors that detect boundary strips so that the vacuum cleans the required area.
Lastly, any good vacuum must have excellent filtration– this one uses a triple-filter system. This comprises of a high-performance filter and a dual-layer filter. So, allergens and other disease-causing pollutants will be trapped inside the dirt bin.
Features
- Suction: 1500 Pa.
- BoostIQ Technology: 2nd gen
- Runtime: up to 100 minutes
- Li-ion 2600 mAh battery (14.4V)
- Charging time: 5 to 6 hours
- Dirt capacity: 0.6 liters
- Noise level 55dB
- Dual-Hall sensors
- Boundary strips (13.2 feet)
- Anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover
- Navigation technology: Bounce Navigation
- Thickness: 2.85 inches
- Climbing ability: 0.63 inches
- Drop-sensing technology
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Triple-filter system
- Remote control
- 9 anti-collision infrared sensors
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerful suction
- BoostIQ technology high traffic spots
- Quiet operation
- Long runtime
- Easy to set up
- You can schedule cleaning
- Cleans hard floors and carpets (up to medium pile)
- It’s to empty and clean the bin
- Has voice control (Alexa or Google Assistant)
- You can control it via the app
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Struggles with rugs
- Doesn’t go back to cleaning automatically (after recharge)
- Being slim is a plus but it can also be a setback because it can get stuck under furniture.
Click here to see its current price.
3. eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim)
The second eufy robot vacuum we need to talk about is the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim). Being the predecessor of the BoostIQ 30 and Boost IQ 30C, it has more or less the same features. However, the suction is a bit lower (1300 Pa.).
BoostIQ, for instance, helps the RoboVac 11S to detect dirt in high-traffic areas and give them more attention. In this case, suction power increases automatically in just 1.5 seconds. For sure, it is also one of the best cheap Roomba alternatives in the market this year.
Because most of the other features are similar, we are just going to list them in point form below:
Features
- Suction: 1300 Pa.
- BoostIQ: 2nd gen
- 2600mAh Li-ion battery (14.4V)
- Runtime: max. 100 minutes
- Thickness: 2.85 inches
- Dirt bin capacity: 0.6 liters
- Noise level 55dB
- Triple-filter system
- Automatic recharge
- Charging time: 5 to 6 hours
- Scheduled cleaning (daily)
- Anti-scratch tempered glass-top cover
- Climbing ability: 0.63 inches
- Drop-sensing technology
- Infrared-sensor for evading obstacles
- 4 cleaning modes: Auto, Single Room, Spot, Edge
- Remote control
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Strong suction
- Attractive design
- Very quiet
- Great with pet hair
- Cleans both carpets and hard floors
- Easy to empty and clean
- Easily gets under furniture
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- No boundary strips
- No Dual-Hall sensors
- Can get stuck under furniture
- No automatic resumption of cleaning after a recharge
- It doesn’t have an app or Wi-Fi connectivity (hence no voice control)
Click here to see its current price.
4. Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum and Mop
Another brand that has become a favorite for many households is Roborock. And the S6 is only one of the THREE Roborock robot vacuums we are going to see today. Why so many in this shortlist? The answer is simple – they all deserve to be here. You’ll see why.
First, the Roborock S6 has robust navigation and room mapping system. Once it navigates through all rooms, it gets to understand them in detail – the size and even how they are shaped.
This comes in handy when you want to vacuum because you can then be able to instruct the robot to clean either a single room or multiple rooms. Mind you, cleaning can be on the go or scheduled to suit your preference.
The vacuum is also very powerful and can pick dust, dirt, and debris from different flooring types. Also, you can mop your bare floors as needed. Simply dampen the cloth and slide it into the water tank. Then, snap it into its position at the robot’s ‘belly’ and let it do the rest.
Also, unlike the first 3 options mentioned above, there is a myriad of sensors and virtual barriers that make Roborock a serious competitor of the Roomba robot vacuums. The vacuum can navigate smoothly without falling off. Also, you don’t need boundary strips!
However, this option may be more expensive than some Roomba models such as the Roomba 960. The power, runtime, navigation, and the fact that it can also mop adequately compensate for that.
Features
- Suction: 2000 Pa.
- Adaptive routing algorithm
- Selective room cleaning
- Virtual barriers
- Runtime: up to 180 minutes
- Mopping capability
- Noise level: 56 dB
- 140ml water tank
- Tangle-free main brush
- Smart LDS Navigation
- 14 types of sensors
- Scheduled cleaning
- Lithium-ion battery capacity: 5200mAh
- Automatic recharge & resume
- Carpet boost mode
Pros
- Very powerful suction
- Cleans both hard floors and carpets
- Can be used to mop the floor
- Excellent navigation
- Great with pet hair
- Easy to empty and clean
- No need for boundary strips
- It’s not as loud most robot vacuums
- Easy to use via the app
Cons
- It can only map one level at a time in a story house
- Small dirt bin
- A few complaints about the multi-floor mapping feature not working as it should
Click here to see its current price.
5. Roborock S5 MAX Robot Vacuum and Mop
The second Roborock is the S5 MAX. Just like the S6, this is also 2-in-1. You get a vacuum cleaner and a mop in one purchase. Also, in terms of power, the S5 MAX is as powerful as the S6. Therefore, rest assured that all kinds of dirt will be taken care of.
Therefore, expect exemplary cleaning of dust, dirt, and debris from both carpets and hard floors. Also, the S5 MAX is ideal for pet owners because it picks up pet hair with ease.
There are a few features where the S6 beats the S5 MAX (obviously it’s an upgrade). For example, the maximum runtime is 30 minutes less. So, you can expect the S5 MAX to clean for up to 150 minutes.
Just like the S6, it also has an array of sensors that help it to avoid hitting obstacles and prevent falls. Otherwise, most of the other features are more or less the same as you’ll see below.
Features
- Suction: 2000 Pa.
- Mopping ability
- Water tank capacity: 290ml
- Dirt capacity: 460ml
- Virtual no-go zones
- Advanced laser navigation
- Selective room cleaning
- Runtime: 150 minutes
- Automatic recharge & resume
- Voice control
- Climbing: up to 0.8 inches
- App control
- Multiple sensors
Pros
- Incredible suction
- 2-in-1 vacuum and mop
- Great with pet hair
- Voice & app control
- Easy to set up and use
- Smooth navigation
- You don’t need boundary strips
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Easy to empty and clean
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Small dust bin
- In a story house, it has to start mapping again if moved a level up or down.
Click here to see its current price.
6. Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop
The third and final Roborock product on this list is the E35. We have previously compared the Roborock E35 and E25 to know which one is better. Despite being a bit more expensive than the E25, the Roborock E35 takes the cake.
A clarification first: Roborock E35 is also known as Roborock Xiaowa E3. So, if you happen to see the product labeled as Xiaowa, don’t panic. With that out of the way, we can now look at the features that make it stand out.
Just like the two products mentioned above, the E35 has a powerful suction that ensures it leaves the floors clean and polished. Also, it has up to 13 sensors that prevent it from falling off cliffs and hitting obstacles such as tables.
The cleaning modes available include Carpet Boost mode that helps to get deeply embedded dirt in low to medium-pile carpets. Also, Spot Clean mode ensures that the vacuum concentrates on high-traffic areas (which mean more dirt).
At the press of a button (physical or on the Mi Home app), it can map out a 1.2-diameter zone and clean it to perfection. Other modes include Quiet, Max, Balanced, Turbo, and Mopping.
Features
- Suction: 2000 Pa.
- Battery capacity: 5200 mAh
- Runtime: 150 minutes
- 13 sensors
- Inertial navigation
- Multiple cleaning modes
- Mopping ability
- Automatic recharge & resume
- Washable E11 air filter
- App control
- Dirt capacity: 640ml
- Climbing height: 0.8 inches
- Noise level: 62 dB
- Voice control can be activated
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Long runtime
- It has many sensors
- Smooth navigation
- Very quiet especially on Quiet mode
- Fantastic with pet hair
- It can vacuum and mop
Cons
- Not ideal for high-pile carpets
- No boundary strips or virtual walls
- When mopping, it can’t tell bare floors and carpet apart
Click here to see its current price.
7. ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
Another brand that is worth considering is ECOVACS. And we have three options for you to choose from. The first one being the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S. Not only is it efficient, but it is also very easy to set up and use.
This robot navigates the room superbly as it cleans, making sure to avoid all obstacles such as tables and chairs. Also, it has stair safety technology that prevents falls. If the vacuum senses more dirt at a particular spot, it will make a few more passes until it gets the job done.
Lastly, DEEBOT N79S has three cleaning modes. The Auto mode is for regular cleaning, Edge mode takes care of edges, while Spot mode concentrates on high-traffic areas. All these features are ideal for anyone looking for the best alternative to the Roombas.
Features
- Runtime: up to 110 minutes
- Voice & app control
- 2 side brushes
- Automatic charging
- Obstacle detection & anti-drop sensors
- Remote control
- Scheduled cleaning
- Low-profile design
- Dirt bin capacity: 520 ml
Pros
- Strong suction
- Easily gets under furniture
- Relatively quiet
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
- You can schedule cleaning
- It lets you know when it’s time to empty
- One-year warranty
Cons
- Tends to get stuck
- Neither boundary strips nor virtual barriers are available
- After recharging, it doesn’t resume cleaning automatically
- Not ideal for high-pile carpets and rugs
Click here to see its current price.
8. ECOVACS DEEBOT 711S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Another ECOVACS robot vacuum that captured our attention is the DEEBOT 711S. Not only is it as efficient as the N79S, but it is also more affordable than the latest Roomba models. Besides, it uses Smart Navi 2.0 (Optical) navigation while the N79S navigates randomly.
So, unlike the N79S that will move without a particular pattern, the DEEBOT 711S follows a perfectly systematic path until it finishes cleaning the entire room. However, if the power goes down, it will return to the dock for a recharge. Unfortunately, just like the N79S, it won’t be able to resume cleaning automatically.
Also, once fully charged, the maximum cleaning time is a bit longer. Apart from that, most of the other features are similar to the ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S. Let’s have a look.
Features
- Runtime: 130 minutes
- Navigation: Smart Navi 2.0
- Remote control
- Voice & app control
- Max mode
- High-efficiency air filter
- Automatic recharge
- Cleaning schedule
- Cleaning Reports
- 520ml dustbin
- Low-profile design
- Obstacle detection & anti-drop sensors
Pros
- Strong suction
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Long cleaning time
- Can easily get under furniture
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Can get stuck under furniture
- Doesn’t resume cleaning automatically
- There are no virtual walls or physical boundary strips
- Not good with high-pile carpets
Click here to see its current price.
9. ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop
Last among the three ECOVACS robots is a vacuum that we think can genuinely rival the Roombas. However, it costs much more expensive than the other two (and more than any other vacuum in this list).
Nonetheless, it has superior features and performance. So, the ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 is a worthy consideration for anyone looking for a Roomba substitute. First, the bot can vacuum and mop simultaneously. While at it, it removes up to 99.26% of bacteria from your floors.
Secondly, the navigation system has been upgraded. This robot uses Smart Navi 3.0 to move smoothly along hard floors and carpets as it cleans. The fact that the vacuum can store up to three different maps is a huge relief to those who have multi-story homes.
Also, the runtime is much longer than the other 2 options. The OZMO 950 can vacuum for up to 180 minutes. Unlike the N79S and 711S, the OZMO 950 robot can automatically resume cleaning after recharging.
Lastly, suction power is not debatable – the vacuum effortlessly gets hold of all dirt, dust, pet hair and debris from the floor. Besides, the suction can be adjusted to Normal, Max or Max Plus depending on what kind of dirt or floor type you’re dealing with.
Features
- Navigation: Smart Navi 3.0 (laser)
- Max runtime: 200 minutes
- Simultaneously vacuums and mops
- 3 suction power levels
- Multi-floor mapping
- App & voice control
- Side brushes
- Recharge & resume
- Scheduled cleaning
- Cleaning reports
- Obstacle detection & anti-drop sensors
- Virtual barriers
- 430ml dustbin
- Full cleaning & path planning
Pros
- Commendable suction
- Excellent navigation and mapping
- Virtual no-go zones
- Excellent with pet hair
- Long cleaning time
- It’s a 2-in1 vacuum and mop
- One-year warranty
Cons
- It’s pricey
- The dirt bin is small
Click here to see its current price.
10. ILIFE A9 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Another brand you can consider is ILIFE. And the first of two ILIFE nominees in this list is the ILIFE A9. Just like the other Roomba alternatives, the ILIFE A9 has some amazing features and specifications. So, you better read on to find out more.
If you have pets, the main concern with vacuums is whether it can pick up pet dander and hair. Dust, dirt, and other debris is a bonus. Frankly, only a few other robot vacuums can pick up pet hair better than the ILIFE A9.
Apart from having the ability to clean carpets and hard floors, the vacuum’s low-profile design also helps it to comfortably get under furniture. Also, it has a total of 14 sensors that ensures smooth movement as it cleans.
So, you no longer have to worry about your bot bumping into table legs, walls, or even falling down the stairs. Also, four cleaning modes offer flexibility depending on the type of mess you want to clean: Auto, Edge, Spot, and Max.
Features
- Max runtime: 120 minutes (50 min. on Max mode)
- Gen 4 CyclonePower cleaning system
- Cellular dustbin (600ml)
- Electrowall device for virtual barriers
- Slim design (3 inches)
- 14 sensors
- Side brushes
- i-Voice Assistant (reports status and errors)
- Climbing height: 2cm
- 4 cleaning modes
- Recharge & resume
- Scheduled cleaning
- App and remote control
- Voice control option
Pros
- Strong suction
- It’s very quiet
- Inexpensive
- Long cleaning time
- Great with pet hair
- Cleans both hard floors and low-pile carpets very well
Cons
- It can get stuck under some furniture
- The app only works with a 2.4G Hz Wi-Fi network
Click here to see its current price.
11. ILIFE V8s 2-in-1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
The second option if you’re in love with ILIFE is the ILIFE V8s. This is a vacuum and mop combo, so you kinda get to kill two birds with one bot. Apart from being an efficient cleaner, it has the largest dirt bin we’ve encountered so far – a whopping 750ml.
That’s quite huge for a robot vacuum, considering that most robots range from 400ml to 600ml. Therefore, the vacuum can clean for a long time without frequent emptying. If you ask me, that’s very convenient and time-saving.
Also, the vacuum has large wheels that make it easy to transition from hard floors to carpets as well as pass over small obstacles like doorsills. Regarding pet hair pick up, the robot is more efficient on hard floors than carpets.
Features
- i-Move gyro navigation
- Dirt bin capacity: 750ml
- Water tank capacity: 300ml
- Max runtime: 80 minutes
- Charging time: 200-250 minutes
- i-Dropping smart mopping system
- 4 cleaning modes: Path, Max, Edge, Spot
- Scheduled cleaning
- Large RoadRover wheels
- Automatic recharge
- Anti-tangle nozzle
Pros
- Powerful suction
- It can vacuum and mop
- Large dirt bin
- Attractive design
- Cleans both bare floors and carpets
- You can schedule cleaning
Cons
- It’s relatively loud
- After automatically recharging, it doesn’t resume vacuuming
- No barrier (physical or virtual) to help create no-go zones
- The battery life is shorter than that of most robots
- No app or voice control
Click here to see its current price.
12. GOOVI 1600PA Robotic Vacuum Cleaner (D382)
Another cheap Roomba alternative is the GOOVI robot vacuum. At 1600Pa. it can pick up the regular dirt that usually gives you nightmares. Not only can it get rid of dust and dirt from hard floors and carpets, but it also gets under furniture with ease.
Operation is easy via the app or remote control. Also, you can connect it to Google Home or Alexa for more convenience.
Lastly, it is ideal for homes with pets because it handles pet hair and dander like a pro.
Features
- Suction: 1600 Pa.
- Max runtime: 120 minutes
- Dirt bin capacity: 500ml
- Automatic recharge
- Low-profile: 2.83 inches
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Large wheels
- Side brushes
- Drop sensor
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to set up and use
- Commendable suction
- Effective with pet hair
Cons
- Not ideal for high-pile carpets
- No boundary strips or virtual barriers
- Automatically recharges but doesn’t resume cleaning
Click here to see its current price.
13. Pure Clean Robot Vacuum Cleaner (PUCRC25 V3)
Last but not least, we have the cheapest Roomba alternative – Pure Clean PUCRC25 V3 (or PUCRC25.5). This amazing robot vacuum costs just below 100 bucks. Mind-blowing! Who would have thought that in an industry where products cost hundreds of Dollars, and rightly so, you’d find such a gem?
Granted, you won’t get voice control or Wi-Fi connectivity, but this little champ does live up to its price tag. While it can pick up all kinds of dirt from different floor types, it is ideal for small tasks. This is because it can only hold 200ml of dirt.
Also, it runs only for a maximum of 55 minutes, the more reason why it should be used for light duties. In terms of operation, there is no remote control, app or voice control. There is a button that you press to get it working.
While it’s a manual task, you get the convenience of a robot vacuum at only a fraction of what the mainstream devices cost.
Features
- Max runtime: 55 minutes
- Dirt bin capacity: 200ml
- Air filter
- Thickness: 2.9 inches
- 2 automatic side brushes
- Anti-drop sensors
- Charging time: 4 hours
- Battery: 11. 1V li-ion, 1.5Ah
- Obstacle detection
Pros
- Very cheap
- Decent suction
- It’s ideal for light duties
- Attractive design
Cons
- The dirt bin is too small
- Short cleaning time
- Manual operation
- You can’t set up no-go zones either physically or virtually
- No charging station – manual plug-in
Click here to see its current price.
Factors to consider when looking for the best Roomba Alternative
You simply don’t go on this quest unarmed. You must know what exactly to check before settling on a robot vacuum that will leave you with no regrets. So, what do you need to keep in mind?
Price
If there is one factor that can prevent you from buying the latest Roomba models, it’s the price. While there are Roombas that are quite cheap, they are usually older generations. For you to get the latest model you must pay something close to 1,000 bucks (plus or minus).
Many of our picks in the ultimate compilation of the best Roomba alternatives are quite affordable. However, some are quite pricey, but we feel that they have got the features and capabilities to back up their prices.
Some relatively expensive Roomba alternatives mentioned include Roborock S6 and ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950.
Runtime
When you buy a robot vacuum, you are saving energy and time to tend to other chores while it takes care of the floor. But if the room is large, the vacuum must have adequate battery life. The longer the battery life the better.
Automatic recharge & resume
If the vacuum cannot finish the task with a single charge, it better return to the dock for a refill – automatically. Most robotic vacuums will return to the dock for a recharge and resume cleaning.
However, some will just return for recharge and wait for your intervention before they can continue cleaning. If you don’t mind having to instruct the bot to return to work, then this won’t be a major concern.
Capacity
Most robot vacuums have very small dirt bins (usually 400 to 600 ml). However, we have found one with a very huge capacity – the ILIFE V8s. Even better news is that we have found one that can compete with the Roombas in terms of dirt handling.
The Shark IQ, just like the Roomba i7+ and s9+ has a base where the vacuum automatically empties its bin. This ‘box’ can handle weeks’ worth of dirt. So, when you instruct the vacuum to clean the house, you don’t need to worry about emptying the bin frequently.
Scheduled cleaning
A good robot vacuum should allow you to schedule cleaning – even when you are away from home. While not all the options provided here have that feature, most do. Ensure to check that your vacuum of choice can allow you to schedule cleaning if it’s a must-have feature for you.
Some robots allow you to schedule cleaning daily. Others are more flexible such that you can schedule cleaning to happen at specific times within a single day.
Navigation & mapping
When it comes to navigation, more advanced robots have systematic navigation. However, some navigate randomly – but eventually, get to cover the whole room. Our top pick, for example, uses IQ NAV room navigation to clean the room methodically.
A good robot vacuum must also have sensors that stop it from hitting obstacles and falling off stairs and other edges.
When it comes to mapping, if you have one level to deal with, you have less to worry about. However, if you live in a multi-story house, you need to get a vacuum that can save more than one map. Otherwise, the vacuum would have to map afresh every time you transfer it to a different level.
A good fit for multi-level mapping is the ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950.
Do you need a vacuum-mop combo?
While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, a vacuum that can also mop is a huge plus. This will save you time. Simply let the vacuum sweep the house, and then instruct it to mop the floor, leaving it spotless.
A good example of a 2 in 1 vacuum and mop is the Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum and Mop.
Virtual barriers
While some vacuums use boundary strips to mark no-go zones, others use more advanced technology. Here, the bot can create invisible ‘walls’ or ‘barriers’. So, as the vacuum cleans, it won’t navigate to these spots.
Of course, a vacuum that can create virtual no-go zones is better than one that uses boundary strips. The reason is simple – manual intervention is eliminated or reduced to maybe emptying and cleaning the dirt bin.
Thickness
The design matters if you need to clean under sofas and beds. If the robot vacuum is very thick (height), it may not be able to get under some furniture. However, low-profile, slim bots don’t have this challenge.
Please note that while this is a huge plus, the robot can still get stuck if it underestimates the space between the piece of furniture and the floor.
How the bot is controlled
There are various ways a robot vacuum can be controlled – manually by pressing a button on the unit, remote control, app, or voice control. Various robots have one of these or a combination of some or all of the options.
Of course, the more options you have the better it is for you. With the advancement of technology, I’d go for one that can be controlled via an app and using voice control. Wouldn’t it be fun to name your bot and call it by name while telling it what to do?
Suction vs noise
The sole purpose of buying a vacuum is to pick up dust, dirt, debris, and pet hair. But if you buy one that can’t do this, you’d have wasted a lot of money. So, get a vacuum with enough suction power to get the job done.
While you want a strong vacuum, let that not get in the way of getting a quiet one. Of course, no vacuum is dead silent while cleaning. But the quieter it is, the better for everyone – especially if you have kids and/or pets.
Oh, you may also need some peace and quiet as you perform other house chores, watch TV, read, or even work from home. A relatively quiet robot vacuum is the eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C.
Conclusion
Roombas have become a household name when it comes to robotic vacuum cleaners. And rightly so. They have not only brought convenience, but they have changed the way people live – literally. You no longer have to push a 15-pounder across the floor to clean. Simply instruct your bot friend to get it done.
While Roombas are great, they can be expensive – the newer models more so than their predecessors. So, what do you do if you want a cheaper option from a different brand? Looking for the perfect substitute can be hectic. And that’s why we have compiled this list for you.
Not all the vacuums here are cheap. While there’s one that will set you back less than 100 bucks, there are some that cost hundreds of Dollars. However, we felt the need to include them because they have a lot to offer. For example, the Roborock S6 is a very good option for anyone looking for a vacuum-mop combo.
In summary, these are the best Roomba alternatives in 2024:
- Shark IQ Self-Empty Base Robot Vacuum
- eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 30C Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S (Slim)
- Roborock S6 Robot Vacuum
- Roborock S5 MAX Robot Vacuum and Mop
- Roborock E35 Robot Vacuum and Mop
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N79S Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
- ECOVACS DEEBOT 711S Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- ECOVACS DEEBOT OZMO 950 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop
- ILIFE A9 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
- ILIFE V8s 2-in-1 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop
- GOOVI 1600PA Robotic Vacuum Cleaner (D382)
- Pure Clean Robot Vacuum Cleaner (PUCRC25 V3)