Robot vacuums can help you pick up dust, pet hair, and other debris in your home with minimal effort. Even better: Some models actually empty their own dustbins. If you're looking for the best robot vacuum for your home, we can help. We test robot vacuums in our own homes across multiple floor types and have been doing so for more than a decade. With strong suction power, a self-cleaning roller mop, AI obstacle avoidance, and excellent self-maintenance features, the 2-in-1 Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni earns our top recommendation for providing a truly hands-off cleaning experience at a reasonable price. That said, all of the models on this list are well worth your consideration and span a variety of needs and budgets, so you can find the best robot vacuum for you. Equally important: All of the models here are unaffected by the FCC's foreign robot vacuum ban and are available in the US.
Overview
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Best Vacuum and Mop HybridEcovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni
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Best Affordable Robot VacuumTP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus
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Best Budget-Friendly RoombaiRobot Roomba Combo Essential
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Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop HybridEcovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+
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Best for Stubborn Debris RemovalEcovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni
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Best Battery LifeEcovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone
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Best for Multi-Level FloorsRoborock Qrevo Curv
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Best for Bagless Self-EmptyingDyson Spot+Scrub Ai
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Best for Compacting DustiRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Andrew Gebhart
Best Vacuum and Mop HybridEcovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni
Pros & Cons
The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni vacuums thoroughly, with strong suction power and efficient LiDAR navigation, and empties its own dustbin. It mops with a roller that refreshes itself as it works to limit cross-contamination. In short, it does everything you want from a high-end hybrid, and while not cheap, it costs less than a few other premium models on this list.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: The X8 has 18,000Pa of suction power and a brush roll with V-shaped bristles designed to help it pick up hair without accumulating tangles. In testing, it performed well on both carpet and hardwood, successfully picking up both everyday particles and stubborn debris. On hardwood in particular, it did not fling dirt across the slippery floor.
Mopping performance: The mop on the X8 looks like a paint roller. Designed in collaboration with vacuum maker Tineco, it applies 4,000Pa of pressure to the ground as it spins at 200 rotations per minute (rpm). While it spins, a scraper whisks away the dirty water, and 16 nozzles keep it doused with fresh cleaning solution. In testing, this self-cleaning mop aced our stress test, scrubbing away all the raspberry jelly I had smeared on the kitchen floor while limiting the amount of residue spread to other parts of the floor.
Obstacle avoidance: The X8 performed exceedingly well in our obstacle-avoidance tests. I scattered cat toys of varying shapes and sizes on the floor, and it nimbly moved around each, including a white plastic mouse toy that blends in with the carpet and fools most other vacuums. The X8 knocked into two of the four toys despite appearing to try to avoid them at times, but it never fully ran over them. This result still puts it near the top of the category.
Self-maintenance: The base station has separate reservoirs for clean water, dirty water, and detergent, allowing the robot to be maintained for weeks at a time without your help. After each cleaning run, the base station empties the robot's dustbin, then washes and dries the mop using hot water and hot air. It uses water heated between 104 and 167 degrees Fahrenheit from its clean reservoir to wash the mop and then dries it with air heated to 145 degrees.
Who It's For
Fastidious cleaners: The Deebot X8 Pro Omni is a premium 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that effectively cleans your floors and maintains itself. Since it navigates efficiently and cleans its mop as it goes, it'll thoroughly cover every surface of your home and prevent dirt from spreading from one room to the next.
Those with a mix of flooring types: The X8 is equally adept at vacuuming and mopping, making it a top choice for homes with both carpet and hard flooring. If you have mostly one or the other, you can buy a less expensive robot for just carpet or hardwood cleaning.
People with large, multi-level homes: Since it can store multiple maps and has long battery life, the X8 is a good fit for spacious, multi-level homes.
Who Should Skip It
App avoiders: The X8's auto-generated map required some manual edits, and the editing process itself is a bit finicky. While that's a minor part of the overall experience, some other robots on this list have better auto-mapping and more intuitive app controls.
Budget shoppers: Compared with other premium models, the X8's price is reasonable, but you can find much more affordable robot floor cleaners if you don't need advanced self-maintenance features.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 134 minutes Dimensions 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Review -
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Best Affordable Robot VacuumTP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus
Pros & Cons
The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus robot vacuum and mop offers key features like LiDAR navigation and a self-emptying dustbin at an affordable price. These features significantly improve convenience and efficiency, and the RV30 Max Plus pairs them with capable cleaning prowess.
Why We Picked It
Features: The RV30 Max Plus offers more features than you'd expect for the price. Its self-emptying base can hold about two months' worth of debris before you have to change the bag. It supports app or voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, and its mop attachment does a decent job of scrubbing your floors.
Navigation: The RV30 series has a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) periscope on top, which allows it to map your home and systematically navigate your floor plan. LiDAR is a big step up from the bump navigation of other models in this price range, allowing the robot to clean more efficiently and thoroughly.
Vacuuming performance: With 5,300Pa of vacuum suction power, the RV30 is particularly adept at capturing large crumbs and pet hair. In our measured vacuum testing, it snagged a high percentage of rice (representing everyday debris) across both carpet and hardwood.
Mopping performance: When you want to wash your hard floors, simply snap the included mop plate into the notches on the bottom of the robot's dustbin/water tank. When the mopping cloth gets full of grime, you can easily remove it and throw it in the washer. While it has a simpler mop design than premium models, the fact that the RV30 has a mop at all is a nice get for the price, and the mop aced basic upkeep. It even cleaned up most of the jelly in our mopping stress test.
Who It's For
Budget shoppers: The RV30 offers the best bang for your buck among the robots on this list. It navigates in orderly rows, vacuums thoroughly, and empties its own dustbin. It's priced like a budget model with the capabilities of a mid-ranger.
People with mostly carpeted homes: A surprisingly good vacuum for the price, the RV30 is ideal for homes with a lot of carpeting. On the other hand, it mops like a budget model. It's not bad for a quick wet wipe, but it doesn't offer the elbow grease of more premium mops. That said, if your home is mostly carpet, this detriment won't matter.
Who Should Skip It
Fastidious cleaners: As you might expect for a budget model, the RV30 doesn't pick up stubborn debris or mop as thoroughly as the high-end robots on this list. If you get a lot of foot traffic and grime on your floors, you'll probably be happier with a more powerful model.
People with mostly hard floors: Many premium robot floor cleaners now use roller mops, which are very effective at reducing cross-contamination and typically have a base station that can wash and dry the mop for you. If you have a lot of hard flooring, a different model will provide superior cleaning.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 98 minutes Dimensions 13.0 by 13.0 by 3.9 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus Review -
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Best Budget-Friendly RoombaiRobot Roomba Combo Essential
Pros & Cons
The Roomba Combo Essential vacuums and mops hard floors nearly as well as models that cost far more. It has a detachable mop pad and supports app control, features you don’t often get at this price. It even lasts more than two hours on a single charge.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: The Roomba Combo Essential handles everyday debris well on both carpet and hard floors. It cleaned up after my two shedding cats without leaving behind fur balls or tangles, and it consistently earned high scores for everyday debris pickup in our measured testing. As expected of a budget model, it struggled a bit with stubborn debris on carpet, but it did impressively well with fine particles on hard floors.
Mopping performance: Although the Combo Essential simply drags a wet pad behind it, it held its own in our mopping stress test. It picked up most of the jelly on its first pass without spreading noticeable streaks or stains to other parts of the floor. It took a few more passes to clear the sticky residue as it ping-ponged from wall to wall, but it eventually got it all.
Battery life: The Roomba Combo Essential cleaned for 127 minutes on a charge, an impressive result that beats several high-end models on this list. That’s enough to clean several rooms before it needs to return to its base.
Who It's For
Budget-minded Roomba fans: If you want a Roomba on the cheap, the Combo Essential is an excellent choice. You can control it with the iRobot Home app (available for Android and iOS), and it nails the basics for a fraction of the cost of iRobot's premium models.
Those with mostly hard floors: The Combo Essential is at its best vacuuming and mopping hard floors, though it also handles everyday debris on carpet. If your home is mostly carpet-free, it will clean nearly as well as premium models for much less.
Who Should Skip It
Impatient people: The Combo Essential uses bump navigation to find its way around, so a thorough cleaning can take a while. It doesn't map your home, so it can't target specific rooms unless you carry it there yourself.
Homes with mostly carpet: If you need to remove stubborn debris from carpets, you’re better off paying more for a premium model with stronger suction.
Allergy sufferers: The Combo Essential can't empty its own dustbin. If dust bunnies make you sneeze, emptying the bin yourself may cause irritation, so it's worth paying more for an auto-emptying model.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 127 minutes Dimensions 12.99 by 12.99 by 3.15 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Learn More iRobot Roomba Combo Essential Review -
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Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop HybridEcovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+
Pros & Cons
The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ mops, vacuums, and empties its own dustbin. It is quiet, efficient, and it works in neat, orderly rows. It even senses carpet and increases suction accordingly.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: With 2,600Pa of suction, the Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ has enough power to reliably vacuum both hard floors and carpets. It first goes around the edges of a room, then makes straight lines to cover the middle. In testing, it did an excellent job of collecting pet fur, human hair, dust, and debris.
Mopping performance: In testing, after a couple of passes with just water in the tank and no cleaning solution, the robot's mopping pad was visibly dirty, and our test floor looked and felt a lot cleaner. When the mop pad is attached, the N8 Pro+ does an outstanding job of automatically avoiding carpeting and area rugs.
Volume: The N8 Pro+ only puts out around 55dB when cleaning over hard flooring, according to a reading from the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app. The CDC says that's quieter than a normal conversation or air conditioner.
Features: The N8 Pro+ offers key quality-of-life features, including a self-emptying dustbin and an easy-to-use app. From the app, you can set a room sequence so the robot cleans them in a certain order, and control the number of cleaning passes (once or twice), vacuum power, and water flow level for each room. The N8 Pro+ also works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
Who It's For
Value shoppers: The Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ debuted a few years ago as a high-end hybrid and continues to offer standout value thanks to frequent discounts. While it doesn't have the suction power of current premium models on this list, it still navigates, vacuums, and mops well.
Who Should Skip It
People with large homes: The N8 Pro+ vacuumed for up to 96 minutes in testing, covering 625 square feet using its standard power level. While that's a fine result, others on this list last longer and can cover more ground on a single charge.
Messy people: The N8 Pro+ doesn't recognize as many types of obstacles as some other robots on this list. If you don't like picking up before a cleaning cycle, go with a newer model.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 96 minutes Dimensions 13.9 by 13.9 by 3.7 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ Review -
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Credit: Andrew Gebhart
Best for Stubborn Debris RemovalEcovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni
Pros & Cons
The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni uses a refined suction system that optimizes airflow to lift both everyday and stubborn dirt from multiple surfaces. Its roller mop scrubs thoroughly and cleans itself as it works, and its base station empties the bin and washes and dries the mop between runs.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: The X9 uses an airflow system called Blast (Boosted Large Airflow Suction Technology). A 100W high-torque motor and specially designed fan blades draw air through the system to capture dirt from deep in carpet fibers and from crevices in hard floors. The X9 led all models on this list in our stubborn debris removal testing, and it handled everyday debris well too.
Mopping performance: Like the other Ecovacs models on this list, the X9 has a roller mop that cleans itself as it works to minimize cross-contamination. It scrubbed up most of the jam stain in our mopping stress test without spreading seeds to other parts of the room.
Navigation and obstacle avoidance: The X9 navigates large spaces efficiently and thoroughly. In testing, it successfully avoided cat toys of various shapes and sizes, delivering some of the best obstacle avoidance among the models on this list.
Who It's For
Fastidious cleaners: If you want a robot vacuum that comes close to an upright at pulling stubborn debris from carpet, the X9 is your best bet. It removes sand and other stubborn debris better than any other model on this list, and it cleans a variety of surfaces well.
Pet owners: Because the X9 excels at obstacle avoidance, you don't need to pick up every pet toy before starting a run. It skillfully steers around them without slowing down much.
Who Should Skip It
Hands-off users: The X9 got stuck in testing more often than other high-end models on this list. If you don't mind occasionally helping it out of a tight spot, that won't be an issue. If you want a model you'll never need to rescue, look elsewhere.
Homes with mostly hard floors: Other Ecovacs models on this list performed slightly better in our mopping stress test, leaving behind less residue. Choose one of those if your floors need a thorough automated scrub.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 115 minutes Dimensions 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni Review -
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Best Battery LifeEcovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone
Pros & Cons
The Ecovacs Deebot X11 lasted longer in our battery tests than any other model, cleaning continuously for three hours. It pulls off this trick thanks to its super-fast charging capabilities. The Deebot X11 also vacuums and navigates well, and it aced our mopping stress test.
Why We Picked It
Battery life: Like other high-end models, the X11 returns to the base station a few times during cleaning to rinse its mops or eject dirt from its internal dustbin. The X11 charges so quickly that it almost brings the battery back up to full during mid-run pit stops. In my battery tests, the X11 ran continuously for a class-leading 180 minutes thanks to its quick-charging base station.
Vacuuming performance: With 19,500 Pascals, the X11 excelled at picking up everyday debris on both hard floors and carpeting. Its well-designed side brushes avoid flinging dirt, and it snags pet hair without getting tangled or leaving behind dust bunnies.
Mopping performance: One of the most effective robot mops we've tested, the X11 cleaned up a quarter-ounce of jelly with almost no residue or cross-contamination thanks to its self-cleaning roller mop. The base station even washed away almost all of the tough residue from the mop between runs.
Navigation: Featuring four-wheel drive for extra traction, the X11 can climb thresholds as high as 0.94 inches and sliding door tracks as tall as 1.57 inches. While it can't climb stairs, the X11 never got stuck even once during my monthlong testing period. It successfully maneuvered around cat toys of various shapes and sizes during my obstacle-avoidance testing, with the exception of a small white plastic mouse that blends into the carpet as a stress test.
Who It's For
Large homes: The X11's battery performance lets it clean a large area in a single run without a lengthy charging break. It backs up that capability with reliable navigation, so if you have a big place and need a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that can cover it quickly, the X11 is a strong pick.
Mopping perfectionists: If you've never tried a robot mop because they don't scrub up to your standards, give the X11 a try. Its self-cleaning mop prevents residue from spreading, and its thick nylon fibers and spinning motion can scrub away tough grime.
Who Should Skip It
People with allergies: Like other high-end models, the X11 has a self-emptying dustbin, but the base station stores the dirt in a large reservoir rather than an allergen-sealed dust bag. Dirt got caught in this reservoir during testing, requiring some manual assistance. If you're particularly sensitive to dust or allergens, you're better off with a self-emptying model that has disposable bags.
Vacuuming perfectionists: While the X11 excelled at vacuuming everyday debris, it didn't pick up as much stubborn debris from carpeting as other high-end hybrids on this list.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 180 minutes Dimensions 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Review -
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Best for Multi-Level FloorsRoborock Qrevo Curv
Pros & Cons
The Roborock Qrevo Curv can vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash and dry its own mop pads. Most notably, the Qrevo Curv has a unique set of wheels that can lift the robot over thresholds up to 1.6 inches high. While not designed for climbing stairs, the Qrevo Curv's lifting feature makes it easy to navigate multi-level floors. The wheels even help the robot lift itself over cords and other obstacles, preventing it from getting stuck.
Why We Picked It
Navigation: Each of the Qrevo Curv's two main side wheels can independently raise its body up to 0.4 inches off the ground. This lets the robot climb thresholds between flooring types and clear obstacles that others might get stuck on. In testing, the robot cleaned all the nooks and crannies of our test floors while rarely getting stuck.
Vacuuming performance: The Qrevo Curv is one of the best models that we've tested at cleaning along walls and corners. Its side brushes effectively move particles away from hard-to-reach areas. On hardwood in particular, it aced our vacuuming tests for both everyday debris and stubborn dirt pickup, and earned competitive scores on carpet as well.
Mopping performance: The dual mop pads on the Qrevo Curv spin at 200 rpm. This mopping system proved reliable for everyday cleanup during testing, and the base station effectively washed all grime from the mop pads.
Smarts: The Qrevo Curv has a built-in voice assistant, so you can issue commands directly to the robot by saying, “Hello Rocky." You can also connect the Curv to your voice assistant of choice, such as Alexa or Google Assistant. The Curv has a camera for home surveillance, and you can use the app to drive the robot around like a remote-controlled car. You can even set up a patrolling route for the robot to roam while you’re gone or have it look for your pets in a game of hide-and-seek.
Who It's For
People with multi-level floor plans: The Qrevo Curv's self-lifting chassis can help it navigate high thresholds and multi-tiered floors. It's also adept at lifting itself over cords and obstacles to avoid getting stuck.
Allergy sufferers: Consider this model if you have allergies and a lot of pet dander buildup in the corners and crevices of your home. In our performance tests, the Curv expertly extracted dirt from corners and the edges of walls, where dust and pet hair tend to collect.
Unique design fans: The curved design and optional white finish help the Curv stand out from lots of similar, boxy black models. Grab this one if the look appeals, and the cleaning power won't disappoint.
Who Should Skip It
Messy people: The Qrevo Curv ran over or bumped into cat toys of various shapes and sizes during our obstacle-avoidance tests. If you don't want to pick up your floor between cleaning runs, other high-end models on this list are better at avoiding obstacles.
Those with fragile carpets: While the Qrevo Curv can detach its mop pads for vacuum-only runs, it leaves them attached and attempts to lift them over the carpet on combined jobs. While fine for low pile carpet, this can cause the mops to contact and dampen taller piles and area rugs.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 120 minutes Dimensions 13.9 by 13.7 by 4.1 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Roborock Qrevo Curv Review -
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Best for Bagless Self-EmptyingDyson Spot+Scrub Ai
Pros & Cons
The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai vacuums with 18,000Pa of suction, mops with a self-cleaning roller to scrub floors while limiting cross-contamination, and navigates efficiently while avoiding obstacles. Its base station washes and dries the mop and empties the dustbin into a large canister, rather than a disposable bag that needs to be replaced. The canister is well-designed, directing dirt into the trash as it opens and limiting your exposure to allergens.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: The Spot+Scrub Ai thoroughly cleaned up after my two cats, with no noticeable hairballs or tangles in the brush roll. During whole-home testing, it cleaned along every wall and in all the hard-to-reach spots. In my measured testing, it offered standout vacuum performance on hardwood and also sufficiently removed everyday debris pickup on carpet. It's a versatile, capable cleaner across multiple floor types.
Mopping performance: The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai has a roller mop with 12 hydration points to keep it covered in fresh, heated water as it works. In testing, it easily mopped away everyday grime on my hard flooring, while avoiding a big glob of jelly. The mop is smartly designed, and the base station maintains it well.
Navigation: Over two weeks of testing, the Spot+Scrub never got stuck or needed my help out of a jam, a rarity for robot floor cleaners. It successfully navigated into and out of the tight spots in my apartment. It also aced my obstacle-avoidance test, successfully recognizing and circumventing cat toys of various shapes and sizes, including the small white plastic mouse that I consider a stress test.
Self-maintenance features: Instead of traditional dust bags, the Spot+Scrub's base station features a giant canister with 10 cyclones to pull debris from the vacuum and enough capacity to hold up to 100 days' worth of dirt. This canister is ergonomically designed, and the plastic case juts downward when you open it, knocking loose any dirt that might be stuck on the sides. The base thoroughly washes and dries the mop, and it has a separate reservoir for the cleaning solution.
Who It's For
Environmentalists: If you want a high-end robot floor cleaner that requires fewer disposable parts for upkeep than usual, the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai is a top pick. It has the best self-emptying base station of any model we've tested that doesn't require one-time-use bags. The canister in the base can hold up to 100 days' worth of dirt, and emptying it is an ergonomic process that won't dirty your hands.
Dyson fans: The Spot+Scrub Ai is the first robotic floor cleaner from Dyson to make this list, and it does everything you'd expect from a high-end vacuum-and-mop hybrid, far outperforming its predecessor in features and performance.
Homes with hard floors: The Spot+Scrub Ai capably cleans any flooring surface, but it performed particularly well in our hardwood tests, effectively grabbing particles big and small.
Who Should Skip It
People with large homes: The Spot+Scrub offered 81 minutes of battery life on a charge in testing. While sufficient to cover small to medium apartments, it might need multiple runs to reach all parts of a large floor plan. Other similarly priced models on this list last much longer on a charge.
Fastidious cleaners: The Spot+Scrub will occasionally miss spots between its rows while cleaning and will sometimes drop dirt when traversing thresholds. It also struggled to capture stubborn debris from carpeting. It can thoroughly vacuum your floors over multiple passes, but look for a different model if you want one that collects the most stubborn dirt in a single pass.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 81 minutes Dimensions 14.57 by 14.69 by 4.33 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn More Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai Review -
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Best for Compacting DustiRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot
Pros & Cons
The bin in the Roomba 205 can store up to 60 days' worth of debris at a time, thanks to a simple plastic fin that compresses everything it collects to one side, making room for more. This simple trick makes it as hands-off as models with self-emptying capabilities, but without the need for a large, unsightly docking station. Aside from this feature, the Roomba 205 is a capable vacuum with efficient navigation.
Why We Picked It
Vacuuming performance: Thanks to 7,000Pa of suction, the Roomba 205 picked up all the fur shed by my two cats without accumulating tangles on its brush roll. In my measured tests, the 205 did a good job picking up stubborn debris on hard flooring and everyday particles on carpet. It thoroughly cleaned wall edges without leaving behind dust bunnies or dirt.
Compact size: The 205 offers similar benefits as self-emptying models without a huge base station. The dustbin compacts the dirt, so you only need to empty it every couple of months. The base is a small rectangle with charging contacts.
Navigation: While cleaning, the 205 would systematically enter each room, circle the perimeter, then go up and down the middle of the floor, pivoting around any furniture. It efficiently moved through my entire floor plan and rarely got stuck.
Who It's For
People who are short on space: If you want the convenience of a self-emptying dustbin, without having to find a spot on your floor for a large unsightly base station, the Roomba 205 is a top pick. Thanks to its unique self-compacting dustbin, it only needs to be emptied by hand every two months, even with a tiny charging dock.
Frugal folks: The Roomba 205's self-compacting dustbin doesn't work with dust bags, so you'll never run out or have to buy more, making this a good choice for those who want to avoid purchasing replacements.
Who Should Skip It
People with large homes: The Roomba 205 only cleaned for 59 minutes on a charge in testing. That's a pretty low battery life result, limiting how much it can clean in a single run.
Mop seekers: The mop on the Roomba 205 is OK for a budget-friendly model. It cleans up everyday dirt without leaving streaks, but it couldn't wipe away much jelly in our stress test. You'll want a different model if you're looking for a robot with some scrubbing power.
Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 59 minutes Dimensions 14.1 by 14.09 by 3.98 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls -
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Rating |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
3.5 Good |
3.5 Good |
4.5 Outstanding |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Vacuum and Mop Hybrid | Best Affordable Robot Vacuum | Best Budget-Friendly Roomba | Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop Hybrid | Best for Stubborn Debris Removal | Best Battery Life | Best for Multi-Level Floors | Best for Bagless Self-Emptying | Best for Compacting Dust | Best Vacuum and Mop Hybrid | Best Affordable Robot Vacuum | Best Budget-Friendly Roomba |
Dimensions | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.0 by 13.0 by 3.9 inches | 12.99 by 12.99 by 3.15 inches | 13.9 by 13.9 by 3.7 inches | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.9 by 13.7 by 4.1 inches | 14.57 by 14.69 by 4.33 inches | 14.1 by 14.09 by 3.98 inches | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.0 by 13.0 by 3.9 inches | 12.99 by 12.99 by 3.15 inches |
Battery Life (Tested) | 134 minutes | 98 minutes | 127 minutes | 96 minutes | 115 minutes | 180 minutes | 120 minutes | 81 minutes | 59 minutes | 134 minutes | 98 minutes | 127 minutes |
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Buying Guide: I Tested the Best Robot Vacuums for 2026: Here Are the Ones Worth Your Money
Can You Still Buy a Robot Vacuum in the US?
Briefly: New foreign-made robot vacuums are now essentially banned in the US, and that ban theoretically includes almost all brands that we recommend, but in the short term (perhaps as long as a full calendar year), you shouldn't notice the effects if you're shopping for one.
At the end of July, the FCC added "advanced robotic devices" to its covered list, meaning new foreign-made models can't receive FCC authorization, and thus can't be imported and sold in the US. The FCC confirmed to PCMag that the ban, which stems from a White House order, covers both robot vacuums and robot lawn mowers.
Specifically, the ban applies to robots that contain the following: a sensor capable of perceiving its surroundings, wireless connectivity, and local software installed. All of our favorite robot vacuums have these features. Robots weighing more than 4.4 pounds, including the base station, are affected, which again includes all of our favorites.
As for which robot vacuums are foreign-made, that again covers almost all of the brands we recommend and most major manufacturers, including Dreame, Dyson, Ecovacs, and Roborock. Massachusetts-based iRobot, maker of the Roomba brand, is now owned by the Chinese company Picea, and Shark, while US-based, manufactures its products in China and Southeast Asia. Companies can apply for "conditional approval" for new products, but based on what we've seen following the FCC's foreign drone ban, such approval is rare.
However, robot vacuums won't completely vanish from US retailers. Models that have already received FCC authorization aren't affected. If you already own a robot vacuum, it'll keep working. The ban also doesn't apply to models already in US stores. Even certain models in the near-term launch pipeline have already received FCC approval, sources at robot vacuum companies tell us.
Given the cadence at which robot vacuums debut, this ban won't affect current models or future models likely to be announced in the next year. If the ban stays in place as is through this time next year, then the supply of new models could dry up.
Is a Robot Vacuum Worth It?
A robot vacuum usually costs more than a traditional vacuum, though not always. Let's consider just what you get for the price.
Unless you really love to vacuum, the task itself is pretty mundane. Depending on the size of your house, a robot vacuum can save you anywhere from minutes to hours of your time every week by taking care of a pretty thankless chore. That alone is reason enough for some people to consider one.
Moreover, robot vacuums have reached the point where they're almost as powerful and effective as regular vacuums. The robots here combine spinning brush rolls and side brushes to clean your home just as well as their upright equivalents. They're also fairly compact, so they won't take up much space. And they're slim enough to travel underneath most couches and tables, so you don't have to rearrange the furniture.
Wi-Fi-connected robot vacuums are much more affordable now than in the past. What are the benefits of connectivity? You can program and control most smart robot vacuums from your phone or via voice with Alexa and Google integrations.
Connected bots also typically generate statistics and maps of the areas they clean. Many even create personalized floor plans, allowing targeted room cleaning and eliminating the need for "virtual walls" to cordon off sections of your home.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums feature a camera and artificial intelligence to automatically detect and avoid obstacles such as shoes, toys, and pet waste. Premium models might also serve as roving home security cameras, letting you view live video of your home from anywhere.
Should You Get a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum?
One of the best innovations in the robot vacuum space in recent years has been the development of models that can empty their own dustbins. Beyond offering greater convenience than traditional models, they significantly limit your exposure to dust, a big plus if you suffer from allergies. As recently as a couple of years ago, it was difficult to find a sub-$1,000 self-emptying robot vacuum, but prices for these models have been decreasing. The Tapo RV30 Max Plus is the first self-emptying model we have tested that falls within the budget price range ($300 or less). You can also find midrange options ($500 or less) with self-emptying functionality, including the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+.
Most self-emptying models transfer the contents of their bin into a bag that typically holds 30 to 60 days' worth of debris, depending on how often you vacuum and how dirty your home is. The nice thing is that you never have to come into contact with dust and debris. The downside is that you eventually have to buy more bags when you run out. As alternatives, the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai eschews bags, emptying dirt into a large base station, while the Roomba 205 compacts dirt in its dustbin rather than dumping it into a large base station.
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Self-emptying or not, most robot vacuums also use small HEPA filters that capture allergens as they run.
What to Look for in a Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair and Hardwood Floors
To pick up pet hair, you need a robot vacuum with strong suction power. Most companies in this space advertise power in pascals (Pa), the metric unit of pressure, though iRobot doesn't always make this information easy to find. In general, the more power, the better, especially if you have carpet. However, our testing shows that suction power doesn't always correlate with real-world performance, as battery life, navigation, and obstacle-avoidance capabilities are also important factors.
These days, high-end robot vacuums top out at 36,000Pa of suction, but you don't necessarily need that much power. Meanwhile, robot vacuums with around 2,500Pa can still lift pet hair, but they might need more passes to get it all.
Generally speaking, all the vacuums on this list can clean hardwood floors without issue. To avoid damage, we recommend testing your bot in a small area at a low power level, then checking for scratches before running it at max unsupervised.
If your home has both carpet and hard flooring, you might want to consider a hybrid that can double as a vacuum and a mop. Standalone robot mops aren't eligible for this list because they don't suck up dirt and debris, but they can leave your hard floors nice and shiny. For more, see our lists of the best robot vacuums for pet hair and the best robot mops.
How We Test Robot Vacuums
We test robot vacuums in our homes, considering the following categories: battery life, navigation, obstacle avoidance, setup, and suction power. If the vacuum supports Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, we also evaluate the app experience and other smart features.
Chances are, you don't want to babysit your vacuum. That means you're looking for a robot that can traverse different floor types or maneuver around furniture without your help. This is especially true if you have dark flooring, as infrared sensors might mistake a black carpet for a ledge and refuse to pass over it. We test vacuums on hardwood, tile, and rugs to see how well they handle transitions between surfaces.
Battery life is also important to consider based on the size of your home. In general, most robot vacuums can run at least 60 minutes, which should be enough to clean smaller homes and apartments. If you have a larger living area, look for a robot vacuum with at least 90 minutes of battery life so it can cover every room before needing a recharge. To test this aspect, we fully charge the battery, start a cleaning cycle, and time how long the robot runs before it needs to be docked. In some cases, it may take several complete cleaning cycles for a robot to run out of battery.
Another note on battery life: The number you see in the chart above is what we got in testing with the normal mode active. High-power modes often reduce that number.
Of course, even the fanciest robot vacuum isn't worth much if it can't rid your floors of dirt and other debris. We rigorously test the cleaning capabilities of each robot vacuum by confining it to two 100-square-foot rooms, one with carpeted floors and the other with hardwood floors. In these tests, we spread a specific amount of dry, uncooked rice on clean flooring to evaluate large-particle pickup, then repeat with dry sand to evaluate small-particle pickup. Using a scientifically calibrated Uline Balance Scale, we weigh the dustbin before and after each test run. We test mopping capabilities separately with jelly on hard flooring.
We also note whether the robot cleans in a random or methodical pattern. Many of the latest models feature a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) laser (the same technology self-driving cars use) to map your home and plan an efficient cleaning route. But some affordable robot vacuums still haphazardly ping-pong from wall to wall, inefficiently crossing over the same space multiple times as they clean.
Finally, we test how easy it is to set up, program, and control the robot. Some require only an initial battery charge, while others ask you to install side brushes and batteries. For connected bots, app design and reliable Bluetooth or Wi-Fi are major factors that impact your experience.
In our reviews, we provide detailed analyses of each vacuum, and you can see our vacuum product guide for the latest models. If you specifically want to stick with the iRobot brand, we also have a roundup of the best Roombas. When you find the right one for you, be sure to read up on our simple robot vacuum tips. And if you prefer a more manual cleaning experience, check out the results of our sister site CNET's testing of more than 100 cordless vacuums.