Overview
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![Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE]()
Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE
Best for Bagless Self-Emptying - Jump To Details
![Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni]()
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Hybrid - Jump To Details
![BISSELL SpinWave 2-in-1 Wet Mop & Dry Robot Vacuum]()
BISSELL SpinWave 2-in-1 Wet Mop & Dry Robot Vacuum
Best Affordable Robot Vacuum and Mop Hybrid - Jump To Details
![iRobot Roomba Combo Essential]()
iRobot Roomba Combo Essential
Best for First-Time Buyers - Jump To Details
![iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum]()
iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Best for Avoiding Pet Waste - Jump To Details
![Dreame X30 Ultra Robotic Vacuum]()
Dreame X30 Ultra Robotic Vacuum
Best Self-Maintenance Features - Jump To Details
![Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+]()
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+
Best Affordable Self-Emptying 2-in-1 - Jump To Details
![Eufy RoboVac G30]()
Eufy RoboVac G30
Best for Cleaning Tight Spaces - Jump To Details
![iRobot Roomba Combo j7+]()
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Best Retractable Mop
Robot vacuums can help you dispose of dust, pet hair, and other debris in your home with minimal effort on your part. Even better: Some models actually empty their own dustbin. If you're looking for the best robot vacuum for your home, PCMag can help. We test robot vacuums in our own homes and have been doing so for more than a decade. With strong cleaning power, AI obstacle avoidance, and excellent self-maintenance features, the premium Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop earns our top recommendation for those in search of a truly hands-off helper. 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.
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE]()
Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE
Best for Bagless Self-EmptyingWhy We Picked It
These days, automatic dustbin emptying is becoming a standard robot vacuum feature. While most self-emptying robot vacuums transfer the contents of their bin into a bag, the Shark IQ Robot XL takes a different approach. It has two dustbins: one in the robot itself, and a larger one in the base station that only needs to be emptied about once a month. The advantage of Shark's bagless auto-empty system is that you never have to worry about running out of bags.
The Shark IQ Robot XL also stands out for its self-cleaning brushroll, which in our testing successfully prevented hair from getting wrapped around it, a common problem with many robot vacuums. It delivered strong suction power, effectively cleaning dust, debris, and pet hair from hard flooring and carpet, and it never got stuck. It offers a number of useful smart features, including home mapping for targeted room cleaning and virtual no-go zones.
PCMag readers love Shark robot vacuums as well. When it comes to customer satisfaction, Shark ranks above other popular brands like iRobot and Eufy, according to our most recent Readers' Choice survey.
Who It's For
If you're looking to upgrade from a basic robot vacuum to one with self-emptying abilities, the Shark IQ Robot XL is an excellent choice. Thanks to its bagless self-emptying system and self-cleaning brushroll, it's one of the lowest-maintenance robot vacuums we've tested. The more expensive Shark AI XL is another compelling choice that offers double the bin capacity of the Shark IQ XL.
Pros
- Features a bagless self-emptying base and self-cleaning brushroll
- Maps your home and supports scheduling, area cleaning, and virtual no-go zones
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- Comes with a physical boundary strip
- Never got stuck in testing
Cons
- Average battery life
- Can get loud
![Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni]()
Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop HybridWhy We Picked It
The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni is the most self-sufficient robot vacuum that we’ve ever tested. The X2’s robust array of sensors help it efficiently map and navigate your home. The built-in AI determines vacuum strength and water flow on the fly based on the room it’s cleaning. It lifts the mops away from carpeted surfaces automatically. When it’s done, it returns to the base station, empties its dustbin, washes and dries its own mops, then refills its tank from the larger reservoir in the base. The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni previously held this spot and is still a solid option, but the X2 adds hot water mop washing, lifting mop pads, and increased suction power to outdo its predecessor.
Who It’s For
This is a top-of-the-line model with a price to match. If you’re willing to pay a premium for convenience, it’s worth considering. Since it navigates well and can store multiple maps, it’s a top option for those with big homes and a mix of floor types. It handles hair and fur well, so it’s suitable for homes with shedding pets. The Roborock and Roomba hybrids on this list have their own advantages, but the Deebot X2 Omni is our top 2-in-1 pick thanks to its strong performance and automatic mop maintenance features. The midrange Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni makes for a good alternative if you want to save some money, but if you can swing it, we prefer the premium X2 Omni which offers more powerful suction, home security camera functionality, and lifts the mop higher.
Pros
- D shape for better corner, edge cleaning
- 8,000Pa of suction power
- Hot-water mop washing
- Lifts mop over carpet
- Built-in security camera and voice assistant
- Efficient cleaning and mapping
- AI obstacle avoidance
Cons
- May still dampen carpet
- Occasionally gets stuck
- Shorter battery life than predecessor
Learn MoreEcovacs Deebot X2 Omni Review![BISSELL SpinWave 2-in-1 Wet Mop & Dry Robot Vacuum]()
BISSELL SpinWave 2-in-1 Wet Mop & Dry Robot Vacuum
Best Affordable Robot Vacuum and Mop HybridWhy We Picked It
Although Bissell has been making upright wet and dry vacuums for years, the SpinWave Wet and Dry is its first robot model that can do double duty. It works quickly and quietly, reliably sucking up pet hair and dust from hard floors and low-pile carpeting. Swap out the dustbin for a wet tank and the robot zips around hard floors, scrubbing them clean with its dual spinning mopping pads. Don't worry about carpeting and area rugs, though; this device automatically detects and avoids those floor types. We also like that Bissell offers several different cleaning solutions: multi-surface, pet multi-surface with Febreze, and sanitizing.
Who It's For
If you're in the market for a budget-friendly hybrid that excels as a mop, the Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry is a top choice. It lacks some features available on pricier models, including home-mapping abilities, voice controls, and a self-emptying dustbin, but it offers better mopping performance than most other two-in-one robots in this price range because of its spinning microfiber pads and support for sanitizing and deodorizing cleaning solutions. We recommend this model for homes with pets or difficult-to-clean hard flooring.
Pros
- Mops and vacuums
- Works with cleaning solution
- Automatically avoids carpet when mopping
- Quiet
Cons
- No mapping features or voice control
- Robot got stuck on some furniture in testing
![iRobot Roomba Combo Essential]()
iRobot Roomba Combo Essential
Best for First-Time BuyersWhy We Picked It
Despite being iRobot's entry-level mop and vacuum hybrid, the Roomba Combo Essential is a worthy choice. It lacks advanced navigational capabilities, but you can control it with an app or by voice. In testing, it cleaned hardwood floors just as well as more expensive models and collected pet hair without tangling. Plus, it cleaned for over two hours on a charge.
Who It's For
The Roomba Combo Essential is a good first model for newcomers because of its reliable performance and low price. That said, we recommend considering a lower-maintenance self-emptying model if you can stretch your budget; with the Roomba Combo Essential, you need to manually empty the bin at least every few cleaning runs.
Pros
- Vacuums and mops
- Excellent performance on hard flooring
- Thoroughly covers small areas
- Seamless app setup
- Supports scheduling, voice control
- Keeps cleaning history records
Cons
- Mediocre pickup on carpet
- Not the best for large homes
- No Smart Maps, Keep-Out Zones
- Requires regular manual maintenance
Learn MoreiRobot Roomba Combo Essential Review![iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum]()
iRobot Roomba j9+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Best for Avoiding Pet WasteWhy 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
If you want a premium robot vacuum with standout obstacle avoidance and a poop-evasion guarantee, the Roomba j9+ is the choice for you. Its predecessor, the Roomba j7+, offers the same reliable obstacle avoidance, serving as a good alternative if you want to save a little money, but the j9+ has stronger suction power, longer battery life, and added smarts to prioritize dirty areas.
Pros
- Expertly avoids obstacles big and small
- More suction power and battery life than predecessor
- Learns your home for automated cleaning customization
- Feature-rich app
Cons
- Expensive
![Dreame X30 Ultra Robotic Vacuum]()
Dreame X30 Ultra Robotic Vacuum
Best Self-Maintenance FeaturesWhy We Picked It
The Dreame X30 Ultra robot mop and vacuum is a solid performer and practically maintenance-free. As expected for a high-end model, the Dreame X30 Ultra empties its dustbin when it returns to its base station. Like a few select others, it also washes and dries its own mop pads. Beyond that, the base station even washes its own basin, taking one more chore off your plate. It also takes a unique approach to managing its mop pads as it can automatically remove them when it senses high-pile carpeting or at your command, then reattach them when necessary. While cleaning, the X30 Ultra vacuums with an impressive 8,300Pa of suction and extends its mop pads to reach under cabinets and furniture. After each mopping run, the base automatically refills the robot's internal tank with fresh water and adds a dose of detergent so it's ready for the next job.
Who It’s For
If money is no object and you want a robot vacuum and mop that requires very little help on your part, the Dreame X30 Ultra is a top pick. The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni lacks the automatic mop removal and washboard cleaning features you get with the X30 Ultra, but costs less and cleaned slightly better in our tests. Go with the Dreame if you have high-pile carpets that can’t get wet or you're simply willing to pay more to minimize cross-contamination.
Pros
- Removes, installs, washes, and dries its mop pads
- Cleans its washboard
- Automatically dispenses cleaning detergent
- Stellar large particle pickup
- Maps and cleans efficiently
Cons
- Falls short of competition on deep cleaning
Learn MoreDreame X30 Ultra Robotic Vacuum Review![Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+]()
Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+
Best Affordable Self-Emptying 2-in-1Why We Picked It
This once-expensive older model from Ecovacs now makes for an excellent entry point if you want all the basics for a reasonable price. It mops, vacuums, and empties its own dustbin, all for around $300. It is also quiet, efficient, and works in neat, orderly rows. It even senses carpet and increases suction power accordingly.
Who It's For
With 2,600Pa of power, the Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ is lacking the gaudy suction numbers of the current high-end models, as well as features like automatic mop washing and drying, but it cleans well and unobtrusively. Its age and price make it a prime option if you want hybrid smarts on the cheap. Also consider the Roomba i3+ Evo for an affordable, self-emptying option from iRobot, though it lacks mopping functionality, and you can usually find the Ozmo N8 Pro+ for less.
Pros
- Vacuums and mops
- Includes self-emptying dustbin
- Strong suction power
- Automatically detects carpet
- Supports virtual boundaries, schedules, and zone cleaning
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons
- Expensive
- Minor mapping issues in testing
- Average battery life
Learn MoreEcovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+ Review![Eufy RoboVac G30]()
Eufy RoboVac G30
Best for Cleaning Tight SpacesWhy We Picked It
As robot vacuums get more technologically advanced, with laser navigation sensors and home security cameras, they're also getting bigger and taller. These days, it's hard to find a model that stands less than 3 inches. The Eufy RoboVac G30, on the other hand, stands out for its short stature. Measuring 12.8 inches in diameter and 2.85 inches tall, it's one of the smallest robot vacuums we’ve tested, meaning it can clean where a lot of other robot vacuums won’t fit, like under couches.
Its battery life is just okay, but the RoboVac G30 smartly navigates your home, cleaning in orderly lines instead of randomly bouncing from wall to wall like some other affordable models. The RoboVac G30 offers a lot of power for its size, and it automatically increases the suction when it moves over carpets and heavily soiled areas.
Who It's For
With app and voice control support, smart navigation, and strong suction power, the RoboVac G30 is a solid choice for anyone on a budget. Its compact design makes it especially appealing for small homes and apartments, particularly if you have low-profile furniture. If your current robot vacuum can't clean under the couch, or constantly gets stuck between chair legs, the G30 is worth a look.
Pros
- Compact, low-profile design
- Strong suction power for its size
- Well-designed app
- Easy to set up and use
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
- Features smart navigation for systematic cleaning
Cons
- Doesn’t support strips or virtual boundaries
- Battery life is on the short side
Learn MoreEufy RoboVac G30 Review![iRobot Roomba Combo j7+]()
iRobot Roomba Combo j7+
Best Retractable MopWhy We Picked It
The iRobot Roomba Combo j7+ is the first floor-cleaning robot with a fully retractable mop. When the pricey 2-in-1 detects carpet, it automatically lifts its mopping plate out of the way, rests it on top of the device where it has no risk of wetting carpets, and continues vacuuming. For comparison, Roborock's similar VibraRise mop-lifting system only works well on low-pile carpets because it doesn't lift high enough to avoid medium- and high-pile rugs. The Roomba j7+ series also features a self-emptying dustbin, AI-powered obstacle avoidance, and a poop-evasion guarantee.
Who It's For
With all the features of the standard Roomba j7+ plus mopping abilities, this Combo model is an excellent option for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpeting. Some high-end hybrids like the Ecovacs Deebot X2 Omni and the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra require less maintenance, but the Combo j7+ is the better option if you have light-colored carpeting thanks to its fully retractable mop. If you're loyal to the Roomba brand, it's also worth checking out the newer Roomba Combo j9+, which costs more than the Combo j7+, but offers increased suction power and a self-refilling water reservoir.
Pros
- Vacuums and mops
- Retractable mop prevents carpet wetting
- Excellent obstacle avoidance
- Pet waste-avoidance guarantee
- Auto-empty base
- Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands
- Supports virtual Keep Out, No Mop, and Clean zones
- User-friendly companion app
Cons
- One unit malfunctioned in testing
- Mop tank requires manual refilling each time
- Scrubs less than some competitors
Learn MoreiRobot Roomba Combo j7+ Review
Buying Guide: The Best Robot Vacuums for 2024
Are Robot Vacuums Really Worth It?
A robot vacuum usually costs more than a traditional vacuum, though not always. The models here range from around $200 to more than $1,700. That's a pretty sizable investment, even on the lower end. 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 just as powerful and effective as regular vacuums. The robots here combine spinning brushrolls 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 for targeted room cleanings and eliminating the need for you 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 even pet waste. Premium models might also function as a roving home security camera, 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 the price of these models has been decreasing. Several excellent options are now available for less than $600, including the Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo N8 Pro+.
Most self-emptying models transfer the contents of their bin into a bag, which typically holds around 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.
An exception is the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL, which has two dustbins: one in the robot itself, and a larger one in the base station that holds up to a month's worth of debris. When it's full, you simply remove the dustbin, hold it over a trash can, and then press the Empty button on the side. The bottom of the dustbin opens, and the contents fall out into the trash. Although allergy sufferers may prefer models that empty their contents into a bag, the IQ Robot XL is more convenient and wallet-friendly, because you don't have to worry about buying replacement bags.
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, but battery life and obstacle avoidance capabilities are also important factors.
High-end robot vacuums are tipping 10,000Pa of suction these days, but you don't necessarily need that much power. Robot vacuums with around 2,500Pa can still lift pet hair, but might need more passes to get it all. The Dyson 360 Vis Nav ($1,199.99) offers the strongest suction power of any model we've tested, but it didn't make this list due to its high price and middling navigation.
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 on a low power level and then checking for scratches before running it on max unsupervised.
If you have both carpet and hard flooring throughout your home, you might want to consider a hybrid that can do double duty as a vacuum and a mop, such as the Bissell SpinWave Wet and Dry. 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, with the following categories in mind: battery life, navigation, obstacle avoidance, the setup process, and suction power. If it 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 manage the transitions across various 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 bigger living area, look for a robot vacuum with at least 90 minutes of battery life so it can hit every room before requiring 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 below is what we got in testing with the normal mode active. High-power modes often bring that number down.
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 otherwise clean flooring to evaluate large particle pickup and then do the same 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.
We provide a detailed analysis of each of these vacuums in our reviews, 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.
