6 Best Robot Vacuums for 2026

At a Glance

Category	Product	Why We Picked It
Best overall	Roborock Q7 M5+	thorough cleaning with self-emptying dock
Best value	Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop	affordable with self-empty base
Best for pet hair	Roomba Max 705 Vac	strong suction for pet hair
Best combo vacuum and mop	Roomba Max 705 Combo	vacuum and mop in one
Also recommended	Roborock Q7 M5+	dockless budget version of our top pick
Also recommended	Shark Matrix Plus	feature-packed with advanced mopping

How we chose and tested

We evaluated robot vacuums based on cleaning performance across different floor types, navigation accuracy, noise levels, and maintenance requirements. We considered how well each model handles pet hair, dust, and common household debris. Battery life, app features, and overall convenience were also key factors in our assessment.

The best robot vacuums right now

Roborock Q7 M5+ - Best overall

This robot vacuum delivers thorough cleaning with smooth navigation and customizable settings, making it a reliable daily cleaner. It comes with a compact self-emptying dock that automatically empties the dustbin after each run.

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Key highlights

Self-emptying dock automatically manages dustbin emptying
Quiet operation compared to many competitors
Handles both hard floors and carpets effectively
Customizable cleaning schedules and zones via app
Lidar-based navigation for accurate room mapping

Pros

Thorough cleaning performance on various surfaces
Relatively quiet during operation
Self-emptying dock reduces maintenance
Good battery life for larger homes
Accurate navigation with few missed spots

Cons

Customer service experiences vary
Battery replacement requires contacting support
Run time decreases on higher suction settings

Who it is for: Homeowners who want reliable daily cleaning with minimal maintenance.

Skip if

You need exceptional customer support or have an extremely large home requiring maximum battery life.

Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop - Best value

Shark's robot vacuum offers solid cleaning performance at a more accessible price point, featuring a self-emptying base with 60-day capacity.

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Key highlights

Self-empty base with 60-day capacity reduces maintenance frequency
Matrix Clean navigation for precise grid-based coverage
Self-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair tangles
Object detection and avoidance technology
Sonic mopping available on some models

Pros

Affordable price for self-emptying capability
Good cleaning performance for the cost
60-day capacity base for extended maintenance intervals
Multiple models available for different needs
Reliable brand with established reputation

Cons

Navigation may not be as precise as premium models
Some models may struggle with thicker carpets
App features can be basic compared to competitors

Who it is for: Budget-conscious shoppers who want self-emptying convenience without premium pricing.

Skip if

You need the most advanced navigation or have complex floor plans with many obstacles.

Roomba Max 705 Vac - Best for pet hair

Designed specifically to handle pet hair challenges, this Roomba model features strong suction and specialized brushes that automatically adjust for different floor types.

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Key highlights

Dual rubber brushes optimized for pet hair pickup
AutoEmpty dock automatically empties dustbin
Improved navigation over previous Roomba models
Strong suction power for embedded debris
Customizable cleaning preferences via app

Pros

Excellent pet hair removal from carpets and floors
Reliable brand with long track record
AutoEmpty dock keeps hands-off maintenance
Good navigation around furniture and obstacles
Durable construction for long-term use

Cons

Higher price point than some competitors
Can be noisier than some newer models
App interface may feel dated compared to others

Who it is for: Pet owners dealing with daily hair accumulation on floors and carpets.

Skip if

You're on a tight budget or prioritize ultra-quiet operation above all else.

Roomba Max 705 Combo - Best combo vacuum and mop

Screenshot 2026-02-12 at 10.00.13 PM.png

This two-in-one robot handles both vacuuming and mopping duties, featuring a PowerSpin roller mop that scrubs floors while the vacuum cleans.

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Key highlights

PowerSpin roller mop for effective floor scrubbing
AutoWash dock automatically cleans and dries mop pads
Dual functionality reduces need for separate devices
Strong vacuum suction alongside mopping capability
Smart navigation for efficient room coverage

Pros

Eliminates need for separate vacuum and mop robots
AutoWash dock maintains mop hygiene automatically
Good cleaning performance on both functions
Saves space compared to owning two devices
Convenient for homes with mixed flooring

Cons

Premium pricing for dual functionality
Mop pads require periodic replacement
May not deep clean as well as dedicated mops

Who it is for: Homes with hard floors that need both vacuuming and mopping regularly.

Skip if

You primarily have carpets or don't need mopping functionality.

Also Good

Roborock Q7 M5+ - dockless budget version of our top pick.
Shark Matrix Plus - feature-packed with advanced mopping.

How to Choose

Consider your floor types first. Homes with mostly carpets need strong suction and brush systems, while hard floors benefit from mopping capabilities. Pet owners should prioritize models with specialized hair management systems. Navigation matters for complex layouts, with lidar-based systems generally offering better accuracy than camera-based ones. Self-emptying docks add convenience but increase cost, so decide if the maintenance reduction justifies the price difference. Finally, consider app features if you want scheduling, zone cleaning, or integration with smart home systems.

FAQ

How often do I need to empty a robot vacuum without a self-emptying dock?

Most models need their dustbins emptied after every other cleaning session, or more frequently in homes with pets or high debris levels.

Can robot vacuums handle transitions between different floor types?

Yes, most modern models detect floor type changes and adjust suction or brush height automatically, though some handle thick carpets better than others.

Do I still need a regular vacuum if I have a robot vacuum?

Robot vacuums work best for daily maintenance cleaning, but you'll likely still need a traditional vacuum for deep cleaning, stairs, and detailed work.

How long do robot vacuum batteries typically last?

Battery life varies by model and settings. For example, the Roborock Q7 M5+ lasts about 180 minutes on bare floors in Quiet mode, while higher suction settings reduce run time. Batteries generally last 2-3 years with regular use before needing replacement.

Are self-emptying docks worth the extra cost?

For homes with pets, allergies, or busy schedules, self-emptying docks significantly reduce maintenance and make robot vacuums truly hands-free between bag changes.