Are Robot Vacuums Noisy?

It’s no question that traditional vacuum cleaners can get quite noisy when in use, but can the same be said with robot vacuums? Perhaps comparing the noise level of a conventional vacuum cleaner to that of a robot vacuum cleaner is not fair due to how different these two operate.

Albeit, both do make loud noises and sounds when cleaning the house but an upright vacuum cleaner tends to be louder than a robot vacuum cleaner.

This is not to say that a robot vacuum cleaner is free from making any noise. Even the best robot vacuum models will make noise to a certain extent because of how long the motor is running, if the machine bumps into obstacles, and other several reasons.

On this note, let’s find out the noise levels of robot vacuums and what contributes to their noise output.

Why Are Robot Vacuums So Loud?

To categorize self-cleaning vacuums as loud robots is a tad bit of an exaggeration. Compared to traditional vacuums, robot vacuum cleaners create less noise and are not as loud. However, you can still hear them make some noise every now and then, especially if you are sensitive to sound.

The noise level though is definitely not as loud as an alarm clock or have you worrying if your neighbor will file a noise complaint.

Anyhow, the noise level of robot vacuums can be attributed to a number of factors by default.

Maintenance Status

The condition of the robot vacuum has a direct effect on the noise a model makes. Even if your robot vacuum is a semi-autonomous device, you still need to clean it to not only make it last longer but keep it in good condition.

While the inevitable wear and tear of a robot vacuum cleaner are bound to happen, doing the proper maintenance work of changing the battery, checking the motor unit, dusting off the brushes, clearing out the bin, and more are helpful in making sure that the model will run smoothly and quietly.

Age

Over time, a robot vacuum will start to make noise and sound louder due to overuse and age. It might start to clean slower (and even less effectively) because of how old the machine is. Even if you own a Roomba or a Dyson, if the model is nearing the end of its product lifespan, then be prepared to hear more noise than usual.

Aside from using older technology, the daily microtrauma from the dust and dirt the robot vacuum has accumulated through the years can also contribute to how noisy or quiet the model is. In addition to this, the motor of the robot vacuum has been running for longer so it may start to sound louder.

Size of Robot Vacuum

The bigger the robot vacuum, the bigger the motor. Hence, a large robot vacuum will tend to sound louder while a smaller robot vacuum will be more quiet. If you live in a smaller apartment, then opt to go for a smaller robot vacuum. Not only will this take up less space, but it will also sound less noisy.

Floor Type

There are certain robot vacuums that are dedicated to specific floors. There are units dedicated to hardwood floors and there are those that are made to clean a carpet. Using the right robot vacuum depending on the floor type of your house can affect how noisy or quiet the model will be.

The automated sensors of the robot vacuum will be at work and detect how much suction power is needed thus, create noise accordingly. If the robot vacuum is made to clean a carpet but you are using it for ceramic floors, then it might sound louder because of the suction it is exerting.

Do Robot Vacuums Make A Lot of Noise?

Most robot vacuums have a noise level of 50 dB to 70 dB. Generally speaking, this is not as loud as the traditional vacuum cleaner but the uninvited noise can still get a bit distracting if you want peace and quiet while the machine does its cleaning.

Nevertheless, robot vacuums are still on the slightly quieter side and you can hear over other people enough for you to engage in a normal conversation while they do their cleaning.

At present, major manufacturers are trying to lessen the noise vacuum robots make. For example, iRobot has placed a quiet mode feature on the iRobot Roomba S9+ so the model would make less noise even while it cleans and vacuums difficult surfaces such as carpets and gunky floors.

However, some of the louse noises created by a robot vacuum cleaner are due to external factors and are not necessarily because of the model itself as discussed above. Below are the common reasons why a robot vacuum is creating more noise than usual.

Obstacles Along the Path

Brand-new robot vacuum models often bump into obstacles and furniture because they are still learning the layout of the home. For this reason, you might hear it colliding with objects or making a ruckus as it tries to map the area.

To avoid having this problem, invest in a robot vacuum with good sensors and mapping tech. Having such a feature will also help your model in navigating its way back to the docking station smoothly.

Debris on Wheels and Rollers

It is common for robot vacuums to have fibers and debris stuck on their wheels and rollers. This usually happens for users who have pets at home as the pet hair can get tangled up on the wheel, tire, or brushes of the model.

When this happens, the robot vacuum may start to produce noise and even lead to your unit colliding with other objects due to an unsmooth and bumpy glide. Make sure to replace said parts when needed to avoid this mishap.

Full Dustbin

When the dustbin is full, the internal machinery of the robot vacuum may start creating sounds. Make sure there is space for “air” in the dustbin so the dust collected won’t overflow. Otherwise, overfilling the bin can not only make your unit loud but can also shorten the service life if left unattended.

Jammed Parts

In the middle of a job, robot vacuums may pick up items that can cause noise inside the machinery or jam parts. If you hear grinding, clicking, and beeping, then this might be the case for your unit. Prevent this from happening by doing a quick sweep of the area it is about to clean and pick up items you wouldn’t want your unit to suck in. This is usually the case when a unit is about to clean under the bed so make sure that it is free from objects.

Final Note

While a robot vacuum is generally quieter than a traditional one, it will still make noise to a certain extent. Nevertheless, the noise of these vacuum robots is not loud enough to be classified as distracting or disrupting sounds. With proper maintenance and prevention, you can keep the noise controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the quietest robot vacuum?

There is no definite answer to what is the quietest robot vacuum as varying factors come to play. However, notable mentions are the Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid as it measured to have as low as 60 dB, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+, and the Roomba models.

Generally, Roomba models are on the quieter side of vacuum robots. Even when cleaning up after pet hair and debris stuck on the floor, a Roomba can still be classified as a quiet robot vacuum despite the strong suction power and air it exerts for the job.