Robot vacuums can help you clean dust, pet hair, and other debris in your home with minimal effort. Even better: Some models actually empty their own dustbin. If you're looking for the best robot vacuum for your home, we can help. We test robot vacuums in our own homes 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 remain available in the US.
Overview
Best Vacuum and Mop Hybrid
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni
Jump To Details - Best for Avoiding Pet Waste
iRobot Roomba j9+
Jump To Details - Best Affordable Robot Vacuum
TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus
Jump To Details - Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop Hybrid
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+
Jump To Details - Best Battery Life
Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone
Jump To Details - Best for Multi-Level Floors
Roborock Qrevo Curv
Jump To Details - Best Compact Design
SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+
Jump To Details - Best Low-Profile Design
TP-Link Tapo RV20 Max
Jump To Details - Best for Bagless Self-Emptying
Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai
Jump To Details - Best for Dust Compacting
iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot
Jump To Details
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Credit: Andrew GebhartBest Vacuum and Mop Hybrid
Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ecovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni vacuums thoroughly, with strong suction power and efficient LiDAR navigation. It also mops with a roller that refreshes itself as it works to limit cross-contamination. After each cleaning run, the base station empties the robot's dustbin and then washes and dries the mop with hot water and hot air. 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.
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 works, it'll thoroughly cover every surface of your home and prevent the spread of dirt from one room to the next.Those with a mix of flooring types: The X8 is equally adept as a vacuum and a mop, 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.### 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 MoreEcovacs Deebot X8 Pro Omni Review - #
Best for Avoiding Pet Waste
iRobot Roomba j9+ #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Roomba j9+ uses a camera and machine learning technology to recognize and avoid obstacles as it works. It also learns which rooms in your home tend to be dirtier, and will prioritize those places first on future runs. After it learns its way around, it will navigate your home with ease and efficiency, moving gracefully around chair legs and into corners. The Roomba j9+ series also offers best-in-class obstacle avoidance, with the ability to steer clear of common household objects like slippers, pet toys, and pet waste better than the competition. When it recognizes an obstacle, it snaps a picture that you can review in the app to easily create a Keep Out Zone for future runs. Add in strong cleaning power and long battery life, and the Roomba j9+ checks all the boxes for a premium robot vacuum.
Who It’s For
Pet owners: Especially if you have accident-prone pets, check out the Roomba j9+. It comes with a guarantee that it will avoid pet waste, and it nimbly navigates around pet toys and other obstacles on the floor with superior skill.Messy people: If you don't want to bother picking up your socks and cords before running your robot vacuum, the Roomba j9+ saves you the hassle. It'll just work its way around what's there.### Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 113 minutes Dimensions 13.7 by 13.7 by 3.4 inches Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn MoreiRobot Roomba j9+ Review - #
Best Affordable Robot Vacuum
TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The TP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus robot vacuum and mop brings important features like LiDAR navigation and a self-emptying dustbin to an affordable price. These features significantly improve convenience and efficiency, and the RV30 Max Plus backs up its feature list with capable cleaning prowess. It's particularly adept at capturing large crumbs and pet hair. You can control it with an app or voice commands via Alexa or Google Assistant, and its mop attachment does a decent job of scrubbing your floors.
Who It's For
Budget shoppers: The RV30 offers the best bang-for-your-buck of any robot vacuum 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.### 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 MoreTP-Link Tapo RV30 Max Plus Review - #
Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop Hybrid
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ mops, vacuums, and empties its own dustbin. It is also quiet, efficient, and works in neat, orderly rows. It even senses carpet and increases suction accordingly. With 2,600Pa of suction, the Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ isn't quite as powerful as current high-end models, and it lacks some self-maintenance perks like automatic mop washing and drying, but it's still a versatile 2-in-1 robot vacuum that cleans well.
Who It's For
Value shoppers: The Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ debuted a few years ago as a high-end hybrid and has aged well thanks to its ever-decreasing price. While it doesn't have the suction power of current premium models on this list, it still navigates, vacuums, and mops well.### 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 MoreEcovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ Review - #
Best Battery Life
Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Ecovacs Deebot X11 lasted longer on our battery tests than any other model, cleaning continuously for three straight hours. It pulls off this trick thanks to its super-fast charging capabilities. The base quickly charges the robot when it makes a pit stop to wash its mop or empty its dustbin during a cleaning run. The Deebot X11 vacuums and navigates well, and it aced our mopping stress test. It mopped up a quarter-ounce of jelly with almost no remaining residue or cross-contamination, thanks to its self-cleaning roller mop.
Who It's For
Large homes: The X11's battery performance allows it to clean a vast space in a single run without a lengthy charging break. It also 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.### 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 MoreEcovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone Review - #
Best for Multi-Level Floors
Roborock Qrevo Curv #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Roborock Qrevo Curv can both vacuum and mop, empty its own dustbin, and wash and dry its own mop pads. Most notably, the Qrevo Curv has a relatively unique set of wheels that can actually lift the robot over thresholds as tall as 1.6 inches. While not intended to climb stairs, the lifting body allows the Qrevo Curv to easily navigate multi-level floors. The wheels even help the robot lift itself over cords and other obstacles to avoid getting stuck. Beyond the lifting wheels, the Qrevo Curv has an extendable mop arm and side brush. The two combined did a better job of cleaning along edges and into corners than any other robot vacuum that we've tested.
Who It's For
People with multi-level floor plans: The Qrevo Curv's self-lifting chassis can help it navigate across high thresholds and floors with multiple tiers. It's also adept at lifting itself over cords and obstacles to avoid getting stuck.Allergy sufferers: Consider this model if you suffer from allergies and have 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.### 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 MoreRoborock Qrevo Curv Review - #
Best Compact Design
SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The SwitchBot Mini K10+ packs handy features like smart navigation and self-emptying functionality into a compact body for an affordable price. Its petite frame allows it to fit in tight spaces and clean corners well. It also cleans dirt and dust with more power than you'd expect for such a small robot.
Who It's For
Tiny home dwellers: The SwitchBot Mini K10+ has the smallest diameter of models on this list, allowing it to fit through narrow passageways, behind furniture, and in between chair legs. It cleans well, and is worth considering if you have a small floor plan that needs tidying.### Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 110 minutes Dimensions 9.76 by 9.76 by 3.62 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Remote Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn MoreSwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ Review - #
Credit: Andrew GebhartBest Low-Profile Design
TP-Link Tapo RV20 Max #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Tapo RV20 navigates via LiDAR embedded in the front of its body. Without a tower for the sensor on top, it can fit under furniture more easily than all the other models on this list. Given its affordable price, the RV20 did surprisingly well at picking up large debris particles in our cleaning tests. It supports app control, scheduling, virtual walls, and voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant.
Who It's For
People with low-profile furniture: The Tapo RV20's short stature allows it to fit in spaces where most robot vacuums can't traverse, so it's a good choice if you need a model that can do the limbo to collect dust bunnies under the bed or couch.First-time robot vacuum buyers: This is a top pick if you're new to the world of robot floor cleaners. As the most affordable model on the list, it lets you experience the convenience of a robot vacuum without a significant investment.### Specs & Configurations
Battery Life (Tested) 90 minutes Dimensions 13 by 13 by 3.27 inches Mop/Vacuum Hybrid Phone Control Scheduling Virtual Walls Learn MoreTP-Link Tapo RV20 Max Review - #
Best for Bagless Self-Emptying
Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai vacuums with 18,000 Pascals 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, limiting your allergen exposure.
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 exceeding itspredecessorin 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.### 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 MoreDyson Spot+Scrub Ai Review - #
Best for Dust Compacting
iRobot Roomba 205 DustCompactor Combo Robot #
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The bin in the Roomba 205 holds dirt for up to 60 days at a time, thanks to a simple plastic fin that compresses everything it collects to one side to make room for more. This simple trick allows it to functionally match most models with a self-emptying base in how often you need to worry about emptying the dirt, and does so without a large, unsightly docking station. Aside from this feature, the Roomba 205 is a capable vacuum with efficient navigation.
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 manually emptied 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.### 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 -
Compare Specs #
Our Pick | ||||||||||||| Rating | 4.5 Outstanding | 4.0 Excellent | 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 for Avoiding Pet Waste | Best Affordable Robot Vacuum | Best Midrange Vacuum and Mop Hybrid | Best Battery Life | Best for Multi-Level Floors | Best Compact Design | Best Low-Profile Design | Best for Bagless Self-Emptying | Best for Dust Compacting | Best Vacuum and Mop Hybrid | Best for Avoiding Pet Waste | Best Affordable Robot Vacuum | Dimensions | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.7 by 13.7 by 3.4 inches | 13.0 by 13.0 by 3.9 inches | 13.9 by 13.9 by 3.7 inches | 13.9 by 13.8 by 3.9 inches | 13.9 by 13.7 by 4.1 inches | 9.76 by 9.76 by 3.62 inches | 13 by 13 by 3.27 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 | 13.7 by 13.7 by 3.4 inches | 13.0 by 13.0 by 3.9 inches | Battery Life (Tested) | 134 minutes | 113 minutes | 98 minutes | 96 minutes | 180 minutes | 120 minutes | 110 minutes | 90 minutes | 81 minutes | 59 minutes | 134 minutes | 113 minutes | 98 minutes | Mop/Vacuum Hybrid | ||||||||||||| Scheduling | ||||||||||||| Virtual Walls | ||||||||||||| Remote Control | ||||||||||||| Phone Control |
Buying Guide: The Best Robot Vacuums for 2026
Are Robot Vacuums Banned in the US? #
Briefly: Yes, 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" on new products, but, based on what we've seen following the FCC's foreign drone ban, getting this 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.
Are Robot Vacuums Really 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 with your voice via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant integrations.
Connected bots also typically generate statistics and maps of the areas they clean. Many even create personalized floor plans, allowing targeted room cleanings and eliminating the need to use "virtual walls" to cordon off sections of your home.
Some of the most advanced robot vacuums, such as the iRobot Roomba j9+, feature a camera and artificial intelligence technology to automatically identify and avoid obstacles like shoes, toys, and pet waste. Premium models might also function as roving home security cameras, letting you view live video of your home from wherever you are.
What Is the Best 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 several midrange options ($500 or less) with self-emptying functionality, including the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ and the SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+.
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 and instead empties its dirt into a large canister in its base, while the Roomba 205 compacts dirt in its dustbin rather than dumping it into a large base station.
Self-emptying or not, most robot vacuums also equip small HEPA filters that capture allergens as they run.
Which Robot Vacuum Is Best for Pet Hair? Hardwood? #
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 tip 22,000Pa of suction, but you don't necessarily need that much power. 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 for at least 60 to 70 minutes, which should be enough to tackle 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 closing it in two subsequent 100-square-foot rooms, one with carpeted floors and the other with hardwood. 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 of these vacuums, 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.