Best Robot Vacuums in 2026
We tested the top robot vacuums on cleaning performance, navigation, mopping, and app features. Here are the ones actually worth buying.
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Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
$1,799.99
Pros
- +Best obstacle avoidance
- +Strong 10,000Pa suction
- +Self-washing mop
- +Auto-empty dock
Cons
- −Very expensive
- −Large dock footprint
iRobot Roomba j7+
$599.99
Pros
- +Excellent obstacle avoidance
- +Self-emptying base
- +iRobot OS smart mapping
- +Good for pet owners
Cons
- −No mopping
- −Weaker suction than competitors
Dreame L20 Ultra
$1,199.99
Pros
- +Mop extends to edges
- +7,000Pa suction
- +Self-cleaning dock
- +Hot water mop washing
Cons
- −App has a learning curve
- −Dock is bulky
Robot vacuums have gotten genuinely smart. The best ones now map your home with LiDAR, avoid obstacles (including pet messes), mop hard floors, empty their own dustbin, and wash their own mop pads. The question is how much automation is worth it to you.
We tested popular models across price ranges in homes with pets, hard floors, and carpet.
What We Tested
Cleaning performance on carpet and hard floors, navigation (how well it maps rooms and avoids obstacles), mopping quality, noise level, app experience, and dock functionality (self-emptying, self-washing).
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra
The S8 MaxV Ultra is the most capable robot vacuum we've tested. The 10,000Pa suction pulls dirt from deep carpet fibers, and the dual rubber brushes don't tangle with hair — a genuine relief for pet owners.
The reactive AI obstacle avoidance is the best in class. It reliably dodges shoes, cables, pet toys, and other floor clutter without needing you to robot-proof your home first. The LiDAR mapping creates precise floor plans you can customize with no-go zones and room-specific cleaning schedules.
The all-in-one dock empties the dustbin, refills the water tank, washes the mop pads with hot water, and even dries them. You basically interact with it once a month to empty the dock's dustbin.
The price is eye-watering, but if you want set-and-forget cleaning, nothing else comes close.
Best for Pet Owners: iRobot Roomba j7+
The j7+ was specifically designed for homes with pets. Its PrecisionVision Navigation uses a front camera to identify and avoid pet waste — iRobot even offers a "Pet Owner Official Promise" to replace your robot if it doesn't.
The self-emptying Clean Base holds about 60 days of debris. The app's smart mapping lets you set up room-specific schedules and sends push notifications when it detects extra dirt (like after your dog comes inside).
No mopping function, but if you primarily have carpet and want reliable, no-drama cleaning, the j7+ is the most trustworthy option.
Best Mid-Range: Dreame L20 Ultra
The L20 Ultra brings premium features at a more accessible price. Its standout feature is the extending mop arm that reaches edges and corners — most robot mops leave a gap along walls, but the Dreame pushes its mop pad right to the baseboard.
Hot water mop washing in the dock keeps things hygienic, and 7,000Pa suction handles most carpet types well. The app is feature-rich but takes some time to master.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Roborock S8 MaxV | Roomba j7+ | Dreame L20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,800 | $600 | $1,200 |
| Suction | 10,000 Pa | 2,200 Pa | 7,000 Pa |
| Mopping | Yes, self-wash | No | Yes, self-wash |
| Self-empty | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle AI | Best | Great | Good |
| Best for | No-compromise | Pet owners | Value premium |
Do You Need a Robot Vacuum?
If you answer yes to any of these, a robot vacuum will genuinely improve your daily life:
- You have pets that shed
- You have mostly hard floors
- You hate vacuuming but want clean floors
- You have a busy schedule and cleaning always gets postponed
Start with the Roomba j7+ if budget matters. Go Dreame L20 for the best balance. Choose the Roborock S8 MaxV if you never want to think about floor cleaning again.