In the past decade, robotic vacuum cleaners have gone from an interesting novelty to a truly powerful cleaning tool. These days, it seems like every cleaning brand has their own version of the device. Considering their impressive line of SmartThings smart home devices, it’s no surprise that high-end Samsung POWERbot Models are among the best-connected of the choices on the current market.
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But what’s the difference between them—and which one is the best one for you? The list below looks at four of the most popular options from Samsung’s growing POWERbot line. With a wide array of features and a model in every price point, you’re almost guaranteed to find one that’s perfect for your needs.
Quick Comparison
Individual Reviews
Samsung POWERbot R7010 Robot Vacuum
Of all the Samsung POWERbot models on this list, the R7010 is the most affordable. In fact, at less than $300, it’s one of the least expensive robot vacuums you can get from any brand. If you want hands-free convenience but don’t have a big budget, this is a great option to check out.
The suction power of this model is especially impressive given both the size and the price. It uses cyclonic airflow technology that not only gives you twenty times the suction power of previous POWERbots but also makes it less likely to clog, no matter what it’s picking up. The wide brush and Edge Clean feature make sure that all the dirt from your floors is captured in a minimum of passes, while the large, textured wheels let it navigate easily over any kind of flooring.
The R7010 also has most the intelligent features you’d expect from a robot vacuum. Sensors on the bottom detect the type of floor it’s cleaning, adjusting the brush accordingly. It also automatically senses when the battery is low and returns to the charger on its own. When the battery’s full, it automatically picks back up where it left off. While it doesn’t have a wi-fi app or remote scheduling, it’s a great way to get a basic robot vacuum without spending a fortune.
PROS
What we like:
- Most affordable POWERbot option
- CycloneForce suction for maximum power with no clogging
- Transitions easily from smooth floors to carpet
- Resumes jobs automatically after charging
- Edge cleaning shutter thoroughly cleans corners
CONS
What we didn't like:
- Limited controls and scheduling abilities
- Doesn’t clean as well in poor lighting conditions
Samsung POWERbot R9250 Robot Vacuum
If you’re looking for the most advanced of the Samsung POWERbot models, the R9250 is for you. At just under $1,000, the price is on par with models that have similar features from brands like iRobot and Dyson, albeit significantly higher than the other options on this list.
Connectivity is this model’s biggest selling point. It’s compatible with voice control programs like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. You also get the choice of scheduling cleaning through the free app or controlling it manually using the included remote.
It’s also an all-around better vacuum cleaner than the R7010. It uses the same cyclonic technology but generates more than twice the suction power and comes with a better brush, meaning it can pick up even ground-in dirt and tough messes like pet hair. It also has a larger dustbin and longer battery life, making it a much better option for larger homes. In short, you’ll get a better clean in less time than with most POWERbots.
PROS
What we like:
- Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Easy to schedule cleaning sessions through the Samsung Connect app
- Can cover over 1,000 feet in a single charge
- High suction power
- Great choice for pet owners
CONS
What we didn't like:
- Costs more than most users want to spend on a vacuum
- Requires a wireless network to operate
Samsung POWERbot R9020 Essential Robotic Vacuum
If you’re looking for something more in the middle range, the POWERbot Essential is arguably the best value on the list.
It has a lot more features than the R7010 but still costs less than $500—a very reasonable price for a robotic vacuum cleaner.
Like the R9250, the Essential uses a combo brush for an even suction that can pick up any kind of particle, with fibers that can work trapped dust loose. The sensor mechanism is also very advanced. It maps out your entire home, letting it more easily work around your furniture. It has the same auto-recharge option as other models, with a long enough battery life to clean apartments and small homes in a single charge.
The main thing you sacrifice with the Essential compared to pricier models is the wi-fi connectivity. This means the scheduling options aren’t as advanced, and you can’t integrate it into your voice controlled smart home. It still gives you the choice of hands-free cleaning with the auto mode, though, and if you want to give it more direction you can use spot mode or the included remote. Considering it cleans just as well as costlier models, it’s a definite bargain if wi-fi connectivity isn’t an important feature for you.
PROS
What we like:
- Great value at under $500
- Combo brush great at cleaning both smooth floors and carpets
- Smart mapping technology for better navigation
- Three operating modes for different levels of control
- Can clean apartments and smaller homes in a single pass
CONS
What we didn't like:
- No wi-fi or voice control
- Less advanced scheduling options
Samsung POWERbot SR2AJ9040W Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum
If you are looking for a robot vacuum that can be integrated with smart home systems but don’t quite want to spend the money for the R9250, the POWERbot Wi-Fi is an option you’ll want to consider.
As you might guess from the name, it has built-in wi-fi and you can use your voice, too, thanks to Alexa or Google Assistant integration.
Speaking in terms of cleaning power and navigation, the POWERbot Wi-Fi is on par with the POWERbot Essential above. It uses the same mapping sensors for efficient navigation on any kind of flooring. It almost never gets stuck, unlike models from some other brands. The high suction power lets it pick up particles many robotic vacuums can’t handle, while the cyclonic suction separates the dirt inside the dustbin for easier emptying and less maintenance.
Because it is wi-fi enabled, you also get the full array of scheduling options found in the Samsung Connect app. This means you can start the POWERbot cleaning while you’re out and count on it to have done its job by the time you get home. The dustbin has an impressive capacity, too, so you won’t need to stop what you’re doing and empty it very often. For convenience and efficiency at the best possible price, the POWERbot Wi-Fi is your top choice.
PROS
What we like:
- Voice control and smart home compatible
- Intelligent and efficient navigation
- Requires very little supervision or maintenance
- Quieter operation than many robot vacuums
- Less likely to wander or get stuck than other brands
CONS
What we didn't like:
- Slightly high profile won’t fit under all furniture
- Not as effective at edge cleaning as other models
Which one’s the best?
If you’re talking just in terms of power and performance, the POWERbot R9250 is the obvious winner. It has all the features you’ll find on lower models and then some, including voice control integration, superior battery life, and advanced scheduling options. If you don’t need all of those bells and whistles, the Samsung POWERbot models that aren’t wi-fi connected cost half the price or less. Even if you’re not on a budget, you might find there’s no need to spend money on features you won’t use.
Across the board, Samsung POWERbots are reliable machines, both in mechanical terms and in regards to their intelligence. They’re much better at choosing an efficient cleaning path and avoiding obstacles than many robotic vacuum cleaners and have the suction power to tackle most messes in a single pass. While Samsung might not be the best-known of the robot vacuum brands, any of these models are well worth considering.