We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 7 Best Robot Vacuums of 2026, According to Our Tests Say hello to efficient hands-free cleaning with these top performers. By Cindy Brzostowski Cindy Brzostowski Cindy is a writer and editor whose career began in cookbook publishing. An expert in bakeware, cookbooks, and kitchen organization for Food & Wine, she has reviewed over 25 vacuums, 23 steak knives, and dozens of baking tools, such as cookie sheets, silicone utensils, and proofing baskets. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines and Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick Ariane Resnick, CNC is a leader in the realm of nutrition and special diets, helping to make healthy eating affordable and easy for all. She has cooked professionally, intermittently, for well over twenty years, and has nearly a decade of professional writing experience. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 10, 2026 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews Our Favorite The Tests Factors to Consider FAQ Others We Tested Our Expertise Credit: Food & Wine It’s one thing to want a clean home and another to find enough time to clean to your standards. When it comes to your floors, a robot vacuum can be a great way to keep them dust-free. Even if you have a cordless handheld vacuum at home that frees you from the outlet, a robot vacuum still wins in convenience because it requires zero involvement from you to do its job. After testing 30 of the most popular robot vacuums from brands like iRobot, Samsung, Eufy, and Roborock, we determined our favorite models based on their ease of setup, effectiveness, noise level, smart features, battery life, and maneuverability. We figured out which one worked best for homes with pets and even found one that comes with a mop. Top Picks Best Overall Robot Vacuum: iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3554) at Amazon $157 Jump to Review Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet: iRobot Roomba j7+ Robot Vacuum at Amazon $790 Jump to Review Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair: SALE Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra Robot Vacuum at Amazon $580 $450 Jump to Review Best Value Robot Vacuum: SALE Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner at Amazon $200 $90 Jump to Review Best Splurge Robot Vacuum: SALE Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner w/ Clean Station at Amazon $799 $538 Jump to Review Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo: SALE eufy E25 Robotic Vacuum at Amazon $1,000 $630 Jump to Review Best Splurge Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo: Roborock Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum at Roborock.com Jump to Review Best Overall Robot Vacuum iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO (3554) Credit: Amazon $157 at Amazon Pros It self-empties, and the bin only needs to be cleaned every two months. Cons Setup with the app can be a little tricky. The Roomba i3+ EVO is a high-performing robot vacuum that lets you vacuum and mop simultaneously. We tested the Roomba i3 and loved its quiet operation and its ability to avoid objects; this was all the more remarkable because it's not an advertised feature of this model. The i3+ EVO has all the same features as the i3, plus an upgraded self-emptying feature, which automatically deposits waste into a bin. The bin attached to the machine base holds 60 days' worth of dirt and debris, but we found reusable bags to be more cost-effective. It also intuitively senses areas with more dirt and spends more time cleaning them, whether on a bare floor or a carpet, ensuring a spotless home. However, you can skip rooms with rugs or carpets using voice commands or the app, which is helpful. If the vacuum pauses its cleaning to recharge, it will resume where it left off, so you don’t have to worry about missed areas. Not only did we find that this robot vacuum excelled at cleaning, but it's quiet and keeps a low profile while doing so. Battery Life: 75 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: Yes | Object Avoidance: No | Smart Connectivity: App, Alexa Best Robot Vacuum for Carpet iRobot Roomba j7+ Robot Vacuum Credit: Amazon $790 at Amazon $799 at Home Depot Pros This vacuum has great suction and cleans floors thoroughly, and self empties. Cons You might have to remove dust or hair bits stuck in the vacuum. We originally tested the iRobot Roomba J7 and found that, with 10 times the power-lifting suction, it performs exceptionally well on carpet. The device moved along the edges, then in a line/grid pattern, which was a super effective way to pick up every particle. The next step up is the Roomba J7+, which takes the exceptional performance of the J7 and combines it with a self-emptying base that holds up to 60 days' worth of dirt, pet hair, and other debris so you don't have to lift a finger. It's great for households with pets, too, thanks to its pet-friendly features. Along with its precision navigation technology, the J7+ comes with a Pet Owner Official Promise that guarantees a free replacement if your vacuum doesn’t avoid pet accidents. (The last thing you want is your pet’s accident to wind up smeared on the carpet, courtesy of your robot vacuum.) After a month of using the vacuum, we noticed that dust and hair sometimes got caught in it, but it was easy to clean out as needed. We also noticed that sometimes dirt can get stuck on the charging prongs, so making sure that area is clear ensures the battery charges easily and completely. Battery Life: 75 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: No | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair Shark RV2502AE AI Ultra Robot Vacuum Credit: Amazon $580 $450 at Amazon Pros This vacuum has a HEPA filtration system. Cons It runs on a grid which isn't ideal for all rooms. The Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum proved to offer strong suction, easily picking up pet hair, dirt, and debris without any issues. Whether vacuuming on carpet or hardwood floors, this robo vac performs well. And with its true built-in HEPA filter that captures 99.7% of dust and allergens, it's also great for people with allergies. This robot vacuum system works in a grid pattern, making multiple passes, which works better in some rooms than others. The self-emptying bagless option, along with the ability to set a cleaning schedule or use voice controls, are convenient features that let you tackle other chores or relax while it cleans your floors. Plus, with its object-avoidance ability, this Shark will navigate around any items in its path, including kid toys, shoes, and pets. Battery Life: 120 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: No | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Alexa, Google Assistant Best Value Robot Vacuum Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner Credit: Amazon $200 $90 at Amazon Pros This is a great starter robot vacuum with six cleaning modes. Cons It doesn't self-empty and hair can get tangled in the brush roller. While it doesn't offer many special features, this Lefant robot vacuum cleaner is an affordable entry-level option. Although it doesn't self-empty, the larger 500ML dust bin can hold quite a bit of dirt and debris. It has six cleaning modes, available via the Lefant app, suitable for hard floors and low-pile carpets. Since you can set up a cleaning schedule, you can vacuum at your convenience with hands-free operation. Plus, it senses any objects in its path and navigates around them. Battery Life: 120 minutes | Self-Emptying: No | Mop Function: No | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Alexa, Google Assistant Best Splurge Robot Vacuum Samsung Jet Bot+ Robot Vacuum Cleaner w/ Clean Station Credit: Amazon $799 $538 at Amazon Pros This vacuum has a great many smart features, as well as a HEPA air filter. Cons It may avoid your rugs. Equipped with smart features including Intelligent Power Control, the Jetbot+ can identify any surface type and dust quantity. Another intuitive feature is its self-emptying dustbin. We appreciate the high quality of all the parts, and we found that the high-end sensors do a great job of avoiding objects large and small. Even though there are numerous parts involved in cleaning the vacuum, we found them intuitive and simple, with everything fitting back into place easily without any fuss. And although the docking station takes up more space than other options, it’s worth sacrificing extra room for the vacuum to empty itself while trapping dust with its advanced HEPA filtration system. Self-emptying is a great feature, but clogs can still occur at the base station. And of course, if you have a pet that sheds a lot, keep an eye on the filters and vacuum bag and change them frequently. Battery Life: 90 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: No | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Alexa, Google Assistant, Bixby Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo eufy E25 Robotic Vacuum Credit: Amazon $1,000 $630 at Amazon Pros It mops, it vacuums, making short work of getting floors cleaned. Cons It doesn't have the best suction power. If you're looking for a robot vacuum that does it all, the Eufy E25 not only vacuums but also mops. It has a lot of bells and whistles, including edge-to-corner cleaning to get your baseboards and harder-to-reach areas free of dirt and debris. This robot vacuum is ideal for larger homes as it can map and remember up to 5 floor plans and work for up to 125 minutes before needing to be recharged. This Eufy has many special features, including an anti-tangle brush that prevents hair from tangling around the rollers, as well as automatic capabilities such as self-emptying, self-washing rollers, and auto-refilling. Battery Life: 125 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: Yes | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri Best Splurge Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo Roborock Roborock Saros 10R Robot Vacuum Credit: Roborock $1,600 at Roborock.com Pros This vacuum-mop hybrid has an impressively long run time of 180 minutes in between charges. Cons It can't tackle low-pile rugs. The Roborock S6 Pro+ is a great option for upgrading your robotic vacuuming system. This vacuum mop combo system has a side brush that extends outward to reach into hard-to-reach corners and under low objects. It works well on hard floors and carpets, although it's not well-suited to tackle low-pile rugs. Many special features and capabilities make this robotic vacuum stand out. From the AI obstacle avoidance that detects objects to the tangle-free brush roller that stays free of hair and other debris, to one of the longest running times (180 minutes before it needs recharging). It also has an automatic adaptalift function that lifts when entering a carpeted area (this is especially helpful during a mopping session, as it senses and stops mopping). Maintaining this robotic vacuum is easy due to its self-emptying and self-cleaning functions. Battery Life: 180 minutes | Self-Emptying: Yes | Mop Function: Yes | Object Avoidance: Yes | Smart Connectivity: App, Amazon Echo, Google Home, Alexa, Hello Rocky, Siri Our Favorite Robot Vacuum We chose the iRobot Roomba i3+ EVO as our overall best robot vacuum because of its self-cleaning feature and large collection bin, its ability to mop and vacuum simultaneously, and its ability to sense higher-dirt areas and spend more time on them. Thanks to its middle-of-the-road price point, we think it’s a great value too. Our Robot Vacuum Tests We tested 30 different robot vacuums, first evaluating how easy and quick the setup was, then assessing the robot vacuum’s effectiveness. We scattered bits of wig hair, cereal, and sand around our testing area and evaluated how thoroughly the vacuum cleaned for over two minutes. This test was performed on both a bare floor and a rug. We repeated this kind of test for models with mopping abilities, but with coffee and sticky syrup on the bare floor. Throughout these tests, we also noted the noise levels of each robot vacuum. For additional insights, we checked the usefulness and effectiveness of any additional smart features, including voice commands. To assess maneuverability, we watched how well the robot vacuum navigated around different obstacles, such as a coffee table, and across different surfaces, from carpet to non-carpet. Lastly, we noted the ease of emptying the robot vacuum by rating how long it took to empty and prepare it for fresh use. After testing all 30 models in-house, we tested the winners in our homes to gain insight into how they perform over the long term in everyday conditions. Every few months, we check in and adjust our list with any new findings. Factors to Consider Floor Type Many robot vacuums are designed to transition between floor types like hardwood, tile, and carpet. “Those with homes that contain high-pile rugs should consider a robot vacuum with a powerful suction cleaning mode,” says Brent Hild, the Director of Product Management at iRobot. “However, someone with a mix of tile and hardwood floors paired with area rugs might consider a robot vacuum and mop combination.” Battery Life You can find robot vacuums with runtimes varying from 60 minutes to 180 minutes before the battery needs to be recharged. Hild says consumers should consider the space the robot vacuum needs to clean, as this affects battery life. “For larger spaces, consider a robot vacuum with smart recharge and resume capabilities,” he says. “If the robot runs low on battery during a cleaning job, it will return to its charging base and recharge enough to go back out and finish the rest of its cleaning job.” Price As with regular vacuums, there’s quite a range in price for robot vacuums. Lower-priced options come in under $300, while more expensive models can cost more than $1,000. A higher price doesn’t necessarily mean higher performance, though. It could be that a robot vacuum is more expensive because it comes with additional features, such as a self-emptying docking station or a mopping function. Features Hild says there are three main categories of advanced features in modern robot vacuums: hands-free cleaning (such as voice commands and self-emptying), navigation technology, and cleaning efficacy. “Many robot vacuums have integrations with smart assistants, like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, making cleaning as easy as a simple voice command.” Then, with a vacuum that self-empties into a docking station, you can wait days before emptying out the dustbin instead of doing it after every use so the vacuum can keep doing its job. “The evolution of navigational technology has allowed for the implementation of smart mapping on certain robot vacuum models,” Hild says. “This means your smart mapping robot can seamlessly navigate an entire floor of your home while knowing where it is in the home, enabling you to clean your whole floor, specific rooms, or, in some instances, around certain areas.” He adds that smart mapping also allows you to set up “Keep Out Zones” to avoid cord bundles and “Clean Zones” for specific areas, such as under the dining room table. He says another major advancement is object detection and avoidance. “If equipped with this technology, your robot vacuum will approach a floor obstacle, recognize it, and go around it, allowing the robot to continue its cleaning job without getting stuck on the obstacle.” Frequently Asked Questions How do robot vacuums work? “Robot vacuums navigate your home autonomously, collecting dirt and debris as they go, using three primary methods of navigation: visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM), laser light detection and ranging (LiDAR), or multi-pass/random-bounce,” Hild says. “Robot vacuums combine single- or dual-brush rollers, an edge sweeping brush, and a motor that work together to pick up dirt and debris from the ground,” he says. “The debris is stored in the robot’s onboard dustbin, which is either manually emptied by the user or automatically emptied into the robot’s cleaning base station.” Once the robot vacuum is done cleaning, it returns to its base to charge.“Most modern robot vacuums are also Wi-Fi-connected and have a companion app for your smartphone that enables a number of helpful features and experiences, such as scheduling, customizable cleaning rules, and preferences.” How long do robot vacuums last? You’ll find a range of answers, but on average, robot vacuums last around 4 to 6 years. However, given how many factors are at play, the lifespan can be longer. Hild says that a robot vacuum’s lifespan depends on the frequency of use, floor conditions, and user maintenance. “Consumers should consider buying a robot vacuum from a reliable brand that stands by their products and offers return policies and warranties that reflect their confidence in the product. To further ensure longevity and cleaning efficacy, customers should regularly clean and maintain their robot vacuum, like wiping down sensors underneath the robot, cleaning off charging contacts, and replacing the robot’s filter when needed.” When in doubt, check your vacuum’s user manual to follow its specific maintenance instructions. Should I buy a robot vacuum or a regular vacuum? There are pros to both robot vacuums and regular vacuums, and which is right for you depends on your lifestyle and what kind of cleaning you need done. Generally, regular vacuums offer more powerful motors and suction, which is helpful for deep cleaning or large messes. Meanwhile, robot vacuums offer the convenience of hands-off cleaning and additional smart features, making them great for everyday upkeep.“Robot vacuums also serve as a force multiplier in the home, allowing you to do other things around the house while the robot vacuum cleans,” Hild says. “And since they’re Wi-Fi-connected, a robot vacuum can receive software and firmware updates, meaning the robot is able to receive new and improved capabilities over time.” Other Robot Vacuums We Tested Strong Contenders iRobot Roomba s9+ ($945 at Amazon) Full of smart features, this is a more expensive choice from our best overall brand. While we like that it can spot-clean with a voice command and offers customizable maps and schedules, it comes with a hefty price tag. iRobot Roomba i7+ ($450 at Amazon) Another iRobot option, this one is pricier than our best overall pick. It has some advanced tech features, such as gathering nearly a quarter million data points per second, and an additional cleaning schedule when pets typically shed, or pollen is high. However, we didn't find these features to be worth the price increase. Shark AI Robot Vacuum & Mop ($170 at Amazon) This is a solid machine that can mop and vacuum, and it can do both at once. You have to tell it where not to mop so it doesn’t attempt to go over carpets, which kept it from a top spot on our list. Our Expertise Cindy Brzostowski is a writer and avid home cook with experience in cookbook publishing. Her writing has been featured in Allrecipes, Blue Apron, The Kitchn, and EatingWell, among other publications. To determine the best robot vacuums, she used data and insights from the Food & Wine team, which tested 30 of the most popular models on the market. She also interviewed Brent Hild, the Director of Product Management at iRobot, for his expert insights about robot vacuums. Contributor Ariane Resnick is a special diet chef, certified nutritionist, and bestselling author. She has written for Simply Recipes, The Spruce Eats, Allrecipes, Huffington Post, and Health. Explore more: What to Buy Cleaning Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit