Robot vacuums are one of the hottest trending products heading into 2022, and for good reason. Thanks to leaps forward in miniaturized cleaning technology, battery life, and AI programming, the time is right to buy.
That said, the Aussie vacuum market is cluttered with cheap knockoffs and dodgy internet sellers. Even well recognised brands are rushing to put out subpar product that is not worth your hard earned dollars. This is where we come in…
If you are thinking of purchasing a new smart vacuum, our list (updated monthly) will help you make the best choice with a focus on features, build quality, and overall value for your money.
Walkabout iRoom 600: Editor’s pick for best robot vacuum system – $399.99 at Mifo.com.au
Where to buy the Walkabout iRoom 600 smart vacuum system in Australia
The best automatic vacuum including thorough daily floor cleaning, obstacle avoidance, and all around value for your money come from a brand that is new to Australia. But don’t let that scare you off, as this robot vacuum is easily one of the best we have ever tested.
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So what makes the Walkabout iRoom 600 the best all around robot vacuum?
The best robot vacuum for busy households, period. Walkabout have created a simple to use, quiet, and thorough solution for daily floor care. That includes doing a masterful job with pet hair, carpet, and hardwood surfaces alike, thanks to an innovative multi-brush sweeping and suction system that won’t get clogged.
Real time obstacle avoidance and room mapping. Walkabout have included tech (more on this later) that adapts to your unique home and routine without troublesome setup. The kit includes everything you need for spotless floor cleaning within 10 minutes, as well as a discrete automated charging station. For the price, the iRoom 600 handily beats competitors with similar features.
Advanced AI and obstacle detection simply works. The iRoom 600 includes a bevy of invisible tech features offering a completely thorough, yet simple, cleaning experience. Standout features include 5 unique sensors for 360 degree obstacle detection, as well as dirt and debris sensors to determine the level of cleaning required to maintain spotless floors. Sudden obstacles such as children or pets are also detected and avoided for added safety.
Whisper-quiet motor that wont disturb neighbors or pets. Ideally the iRoom 600 operates when you are out of the room (or out of the home altogether). But neighbors and pets could be disturbed by the sounds of vacuuming. No longer, as the iRoom 600 is so quiet. A patent pending suction motor delivers thorough suction at a barely audible decibel level. It’s one of the most impressive features of the product that must be experienced in person to be believed.
Australia-based customer support. We have been continuously disappointed with robot vacuum products in the past, even from tech giants like Samsung. Part of that disappointment comes with poor or absent customer service. We tested Walkabout on several occasions with questions and every time received proper replies within an hour. That demonstrates commitment to Australian market and contributes greatly to our award of Editor’s Pick.
iRobot Roomba i3: Solid but pricey robot vacuum – $999.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the Roomba i3 automated vacuum in Australia
If you aren’t price sensitive, iRobot may be the brand for you. This easy to use robot vacuum comes with similar features to the Walkabout iRoom 600, but some drawbacks with regard to pet hair and pricing.
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Why Roomba makes our list of best robot vacuum products
High overall quality for the robot vacuum category. Since robot vacuums were invented, we have lamented at poor battery life, weak cleaning power, and warranty fiascos. iRobot have included top quality chipsets and firmware, and we were pleased with the overall experience. The design is also rugged, and stands up to the best.
Easy to use, but limited features. Daily cleaning is indeed simple with the Roomba i3. Simply turn on and allow the device to being learning your home. Boundaries and special instructions are added via an intuitive app. But there are features noticeably missing, including pressure sensors and schedule adaptive technology. We hope iRobot offers more of these features on future models.
Fails the pet hair test more often than not. Despite the high price tag, the Roomba i3 tends to get clogged when cleaning pet har – particularly longer varieties. This can be a major hangup if the household has one or more furry friends, and is frustrating given the high quality of other features.
Ecovacs Deepbot: A robot vacuum that lives up to the Ecovacs name – $1,099.00 at Amazon.com.au
Where to buy the Ecovacs Deepbot robot vacuum in Australia
While the first versions of Ecovacs robot vacuum were less than perfect, the European gadget company is finally finding its stride. And if the astronomic price tag doesn’t scare you, then the Deepbot may be the smart vacuum product you have been waiting for.
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Why Ecovacs gets our approval for the Deepbot
Underwhelming style that delivers on features. Despite a somewhat antiquated look, the Deepbot includes all of the modern features we expect in a robot vacuum costing over $1,000. That includes pressure sensors, smart automation, and real time feedback when cleaning. The extras, however, are where Deepbot lose points.
Accessories not included. Ecovacs are somewhat stingy with the Deepbot, and include only one replacement pad and brush head in a round bristle arrangement. Considering they recommend changing heads once every 3 months, the cost of ownership will certainly add up.
Built for hardwood surfaces, but may not work for you. While Ecovacs have a legacy of creating best in class products that are up to the task, you can find feature rich competitors that simply do a better job at nearly half the price. Unless you are obsessed with brand name alone, you may be able to find a better value, particularly if you have a multi-surface household.
Runners-up: Best Robot Vacuum System
There are many, many robot vacuums in the Australian market. And while we attempt to test as many as possible for our readers, some units simply don’t make the cut. Here’s a quick peek at smart vacuums that didn’t make the list.
Dreamtech D9 Smart Vacuum – $550.00 at Amazon.com.au
Dreantech is known for pricey yet stylish electronics, so we were not surprised to find them entering the robot vacuum space. While the D9 is acceptable in a number of categories, it fails to excel in any one. What we end up with is a generic jack of all trades with a high price tag.
Roborock S7 Automatic Vacuum – $1,120.00 at Amazon.com.au
Roborock have developed their own answer to the competitive smart vacuum market, and unfortunately it falls flat in nearly every category. Underpowered and with an oddly shaped sweeping brush head, the S7 is a disappointing affair. Paired with the included and needlessly complex app, and it’s a recipe for a failed first attempt.
Milagrow iMap 3 Robot Vacuum – $1,420.00 at Amazon.com.au
Milagrow are a newcomer to the Australian market, and the iMap 3 is their first model to be sold down under. The vacuum itself does a reasonable job, but extremely limited features and poor automation hamper what may one day be a good brand. We recommend skipping in favor of a future generation.