Do All Robot Vacuums Require a Wi-Fi Connection?

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The internet has changed the way we live forever. Smart home living is possible because of the internet. With a Wi-Fi connection, you are able to turn on the lights or play music by simply telling your house what to do. But what about a robot vacuum cleaner? Do all robot vacuums need Wi-Fi for it to work?

Do all robot vacuums require Wi-Fi? Not all robot vacuums require Wi-Fi to work. If Wi-Fi is not available, it can be operated by pushing the start button located on the top of the unit. However, you will not be able to enjoy the full benefits of a robot vacuum cleaner without a Wi-Fi connection.

It’s obvious that you need to connect a robot vacuum cleaner to your smartphone in order to take full advantage of its amazing features. Nonetheless, Wi-Fi may not be available in all places. In this post, we will explore the different features of different robot vacuum cleaners, with or without Wi-Fi.

Do You Need a ‘Smart Robot Vacuum’?

Thanks to the internet, not only can we stay connected to our loved ones, but we are able to stay connected with our appliances as well. Several robot vacuums come with a smartphone app, like the various iRobot Roomba models. This allows you to control a robot vacuum even when you’re out of the house.

If a robot vacuum comes with a smartphone app, chances are it offers Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant integration as well. If it does, you can take advantage of its voice-command feature, allowing you to interact with your robot vacuum easily. For example, you can simply say, ‘Start cleaning,’ and it will get going.

With that said, if you’re looking to save money, numerous budget robot vacuums don’t need Wi-Fi connectivity. These models come with remote controls and run on alkaline batteries. Most entry-level robot vacuums that are operated by a remote control are very simple to use.

In addition to Wi-Fi connectivity, the Samsung Powerbot R7070 comes with a remote box for localized control.

In fact, several higher-end models, like the app-connected Samsung Powerbot R7070, come with an additional remote box, just in case you don’t want the hassle of setting up the app. However, it’s important to note that features may differ from each robot vacuum model and deliver different user experiences.

With the above considerations in mind, buying a robot vacuum cleaner should suit your personal and unique needs. There’s no point in buying the most expensive robot vacuum if you live in a studio apartment now. Here’s what you can generally expect from a robot vacuum cleaner at every price range:

1. Less than $200

Lower-priced robot vacuums usually cost less than $200. These robot vacuums come with super long cleaning times, huge dustbins, and low profiles. However, to make it more affordable, they usually don’t come with the super useful Wi-Fi connectivity and the highly coveted smart navigation system.

While more advanced robot vacuums are able to move around your house in an organized manner, cheaper models will zip around randomly to get the job done. Nevertheless, we’ve found robot vacuums less than $200 that clean just as well, if not better, than models that cost three to four times as much.

2. Between $200 – $600

At the lower end of this price range, most robot vacuum models may come with Wi-Fi connectivity but don’t come with mapping technology. While you are able to connect these models with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, you are not able to command them to clean a specific area of your house.

If you move toward the higher end of this price range, you will find robot vacuums with more advanced sensors that map your house and are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity as well. This means you can assign the robot to clean a specific room through your smartphone, resulting in faster and better house cleaning. 

3. More than $$$

Excellent gadgets don’t come cheap. There are only a handful of highly advanced robot vacuums available in this price range. While some would argue the need to own these expensive robot vacuums, the features that come with them are simply top-notch and are in a class of their own.

Useful features like the ability to map multiple floors of your house, clean specific rooms on command, and work in partnership with other robot vacuums can only be found in gadgets above the $$$ range. It’s best to consider buying these robot vacuums as an investment, especially if you own a large house.

Take the iRobot Roomba S9+, for example. Not only is it an outstanding vacuum, but it also has a recharging base with a dustbin that cleans itself as well. This means you don’t have to empty the vacuum after each cleaning, saving you a lot of time in the long run. It can also work together with a robot mop as well.

Do All Robot Vacuums Need Wi-Fi?

So, to summarize, not all robot vacuums need Wi-Fi. Basic robot vacuums are functional with a push of a button, while more expensive robot vacuums are smart-home enabled. Robot vacuums with Wi-Fi will connect to your wireless router and work with a dedicated smartphone app, giving you more convenience. 

Generally, the more sophisticated the robot vacuum is, the more functionality it offers. More advanced robot vacuums usually come with scheduling, carpet boost, battery status, and notifications when the robot has done its job. However, all robot vacuums should have the basic ability to turn on and off without Wi-Fi. 

Final Verdict

And there you go, the complete article to answer the question: do all robot vacuums require Wi-Fi? If you want to enjoy the full benefits of a robot vacuum cleaner, we highly recommend connecting the unit to the app on your smartphone. Doing so will tremendously make your life easier, whether you’re at the house or not.

If you’re mostly out of the house, robot vacuum cleaners are perfect to keep your house clean. However, despite their autonomous nature, robot vacuums still need regular maintenance. The filters, dust bins, and brushes will still need regular cleaning from your end. Be sure to take care of it, and it will take care of you. 🙂

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