The best robot vacuum under 500 € in 2026 in Germany

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Mostly hard floors (laminate, tiles, wood, PVC)6, 6 models
• A mix, with rugs or some carpet6, 6 models
• Mostly carpet3, 3 models

With carpet and rugs the robot must lift or drop its mop, or the rug gets wet. Or you put the rug in a no-go zone, so the robot skips it and does not drive on it.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Yes, pets (covers long hair too)3, 3 models
• Yes, long hair (no pets)3, 3 models
• No6, 6 models

Hair wraps around the brush. An anti-tangle brush prevents that; a camera that recognises droppings prevents the other well-known accident.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Not needed6, 6 models
• Freshening is enough5, 5 models
• Yes, real mopping2, 2 models

Mopping freshens the floor; real stains rarely come off. Spinning or roller mops paired with self-cleaning stations deliver the most effective floor cleaning.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Emptying the bin myself is fine6, 6 models
• As little as possible: it may empty itself4, 4 models
• Nothing: everything automatic, mop included2, 2 models

A station can empty the bin, wash and dry the mop and refill water. The more it does, the bigger and dearer it is.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Up to 2 cm, or none6, 6 models
• Higher than 2 cm, up to 4 cm0, 0 models
• Higher than 4 cm0, 0 models

Most robots cross 2 cm; higher thresholds need a climbing system. Measure under your sofa too: a low robot fits underneath.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Rarely6, 6 models
• Sometimes1, 1 model
• Often0, 0 models

A robot with a camera recognises small items and drives around them. Without one it drives over them or gets stuck.

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Only robots that fit under low furniture2, 2 models

It must also fit under low furniture (less than 9 cm of room)

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Only robots whose dock connects to the water supply1, 1 model

The dock must connect to the water supply and the drain, so I never fill or empty a tank (with a separate kit on some models)

• Does not matter6, 6 models
• Alexa6, 6 models
• Google Home5, 5 models
• Apple HomeKit0, 0 models
• SmartThings0, 0 models
• Home Assistant0, 0 models
• Matter0, 0 models

Based on the voice assistants and Matter support the maker lists. A model that lists none of them is left out.