Top Black Friday and Cyber Monday Robot Vacuum Deals
If you've ever wanted to buy a robot vacuum now's your chance. CNET's top-rated models are on sale this Black Friday and Cyber Monday with savings of up to 57%.
The Roborock Q7 Max is a powerful robot that is equipped with smart mapping and app-based no go zones. Its running time of 180 minutes is impressive. It also automatically replenishes and self-empties its water tank.
1. Roomba j7+ from iRobot
The Roomba j7+ is iRobot's smartest robot vacuum to date. robotic vacuums is its camera-based obstacle detection system that utilizes built-in AI to detect objects like charging cords, shoes, and the dreaded pet waste many other robots are unable to avoid (and often go through). It's the first robot to provide you with a picture of an object that it encounters, so you can instruct that it is safe to avoid it.
The Combo j7+ is also the most efficient mop robot we've ever tested, picking up dirt and spills with ease while leaving no trace it was there. It's easy to control using the iRobot Home app which lets you schedule cleaning and create Keep Out Zones to make sure it doesn't vacuum areas you don't want it to. And it's compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can control it from start to stop using your voice.
The design is also better than the competition. It features a sleek, top piece that resembles an toy, not an obnoxious and loud robot. Clean Base's Automatic Dirt removal System is also self-emptying which will cut down your cleaning time.
In our tests the j7+ performed quick to remove dust dirt, pet hair and even pet hair. The counter-rotating rubber brushes kept the debris in its place instead of scattering it on the floor. It was able capture small pieces of gravel, sand, and even a bit of grit. The majority of robots cannot achieve this feat. And it did all of this without getting tangled up in our pet's hair shed.
The j7+, though not as smart as the $1,217 Roomba S9+ Self-Emptying Vacuum Robot from iRobot, and it isn't able to clean the stairs, is still an option for those who need both a vacuum and a mop. It's not too expensive, and the iRobot application makes it user-friendly.
Although the iRobot Home app is very easy to use however we've found it be less reliable than other applications that use robotic cleaners. It can take a while to download updates and it can be difficult to tell if they are working until you actually see them in action.
2. Roborock Q5+
When you're looking for an automated vacuum cleaner that can do more than just clean floors, the best choice is probably one that is a hybrid. These bots are equipped with a water tank so they can mop and vacuum simultaneously. They also come with a variety of extra features like smart mapping, small object avoidance, and the capability to wash and dry mopping pads. The downside is that they tend to be pricey at full retail, but during Black Friday and Cyber Monday they usually drop in price.
Roborock has some of our top robot vacuums, and the Q5+ is no exception. This is the least expensive model in their auto-empty line. Although it might not have some of the more expensive features (like no-go zones or multi-story memories), it's still a great choice when you're willing to compromise to save a few bucks.
The Q5+ is notably gentle around obstacles like table legs and walls, which makes it a good choice for homes with lots of furniture. It's also extremely thorough when it comes to getting rid of dust bunnies which is a place where cheaper robot vacuums be a bit sloppy. The Q5+'s navigation system is superb, with only a few mishaps along walls and in corners.
The Q5+, as with other Roborock products can be controlled with only a few buttons on your device, or via the Roborock App. With the app you can start and stop cleaning and schedules, as well as create virtual barriers and no-go zones, and adjust your home map or change the labels of rooms.
If you opt for the Q5+, it comes with a new auto-empty dock that's specifically designed to make this robot simple to maintain. best vacuums requires a screwdriver for install, but once in place, emptying the bin is relatively simple. It has a large LCD screen which is helpful in setting up schedules and changing settings. This feature isn't essential for the majority of people, but it can help to keep track of the robot's maintenance schedules.
3. Narwal Freo X Ultra
The Freo X Ultra robot vacuum and mop is a sophisticated well-rounded vacuum and mop. It's capable of both mopping and vacuuming. Its design is one of the best in the industry, but it's expensive.
The base station is attractive and hides it when not in use, and the dimensions are quite small. The primary selling point of the station is that it automates many tasks, functions and chores that other robots leave to you. It can store clean and dirty water, and then electrolyze and heat the water. Most other robovacs will require this.
Its vacuuming capabilities are impressive, too. It's the only robovac I've tested that does a good job picking up debris from bare floors. And it's not as loud as the costly Roomba 900 series or iRobot 980.
But the Freo X Ultra has its shortcomings, particularly when it comes to navigation. Its laser sensors and LiDAR sensors aren’t as reliable as other robovacs. This means it could get stuck or confused in certain corners or rooms of the house. It's not able to navigate stairs as well as competitors, and it doesn't have an dock that allows you to create an area for cleaning that is specifically designed for carpets that are soft.
The Freo X Ultra robot vacuum and mop is an excellent option for those looking for a robot vacuum that does it all.
But if you want to save some money or simply don't care about the limitations of this machine, there are plenty of other great choices available which include a variety of eufy models for considerably less. The eufy Qrevo Curv, for example is less expensive and offers a similar in-app experience with more features, including the ability to climb stairs, a full-function dock, and a better overall vacuuming performance on bare floors as well as high and low-pile carpets.
4. Eufy RoboVac G30
Eufy, an Anker company has a proven track record of making robot vacuums that strike the perfect balance between performance, features and price. The G30 Hybrid is no different it offers a high-quality cleaning on hard floors and mopping, carpets and other surfaces at a price that is affordable. It's easy to set it up, simply connect one of the side brush and turn it on, then connect your charging dock. The app will guide you through the steps required to connect your G30 to your Wi-Fi. The dock must be placed near an outlet with plenty of room to move.
The G30 is a tiny device that measures 2.85 inches in height, so it can be tucked away under couches and pieces of low-clearance furniture. Its design isn't as ostentatious compared to some rival models. It features a sleek black finish and three buttons that are physical for Auto Cleaning start/pause (which scrubs an area in a spiral pattern over two minutes) Recharge, and Spot Cleaner. It is also possible to connect the G30 to Amazon Alexa or Google Home to use voice commands to do unscheduled cleaning.
The way that the G30 cleans is what differentiates it from its competitors. It makes use of an integrated map to draw a picture of the immovable items in its path. It remembers the items it has cleaned and where it cannot access. It then returns to the base to recharge and continues cleaning the area it left.
The sleek G30 has its flaws however. The iRobot Roomba 675 is better built, incurs lower recurring costs, charges faster and offers similar battery life, while providing better performance on bare floors and carpets with low pile. It also comes with a larger dust bin that doesn't require to be emptied as often and comes with the boundaries that ensure it isn't in certain areas. The G30 on the other hand is more affordable and is much more manageable to maintain. Its smaller dust canister does not require emptying as often and it has less trouble with bulky materials like cereal.