The best robot vacuum for every budget in 2026

• Does not matter0, 0 models
• Mostly hard floors (laminate, tiles, wood, PVC)0, 0 models
• A mix, with rugs or some carpet0, 0 models
• Mostly carpet0, 0 models

With carpet and rugs the robot must lift or drop its mop, or the rug gets wet.

• Does not matter0, 0 models
• Yes, pets0, 0 models
• Yes, long hair (no pets)0, 0 models
• No0, 0 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 matter0, 0 models
• Not needed0, 0 models
• Freshening is enough0, 0 models
• Yes, real mopping0, 0 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 matter0, 0 models
• Emptying the bin myself is fine0, 0 models
• As little as possible: it may empty itself0, 0 models
• Nothing: everything automatic, mop included0, 0 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 matter0, 0 models
• Up to 2 cm, or none0, 0 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 matter0, 0 models
• Rarely0, 0 models
• Sometimes0, 0 models
• 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 matter0, 0 models
• Only robots that fit under low furniture0, 0 models

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

• Does not matter0, 0 models
• Only robots whose dock connects to the water supply0, 0 models

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)