6 Best Self Vacuums of 2026

Enter the D13S MAX, a powerhouse that redefines what a self-emptying robot vacuum can do. With a staggering 11,500Pa suction—among the strongest in its class—it obliterates embedded pet hair, fine dust, and stubborn crumbs across both carpets and hard floors. The 3-in-1 functionality (vacuum, sweep, and mop) means it tackles dry and wet messes in a single pass, while the 70-day dust bag capacity ensures you’re truly hands-free for over two months. If your pain point is constant maintenance or spotty cleaning coverage, this robot erases those frustrations with surgical precision.

In real-world testing, the LiDAR navigation proved exceptionally sharp, mapping our 2,200 sq ft home in under three minutes and remembering two full floor plans without confusion. It handles transitions from hardwood to thick rugs seamlessly and uses auto-boost suction to ramp up power on carpets—no manual adjustments needed. The 230ml water tank delivers consistent mopping, though it’s best for light spills and daily maintenance rather than deep scrubbing. One limitation? It struggles slightly with very dark furniture (occasional near-collisions), and the mopping pad requires frequent rinsing for larger homes. Still, the 160-minute runtime covers most spaces in one go, and the no-go zone feature keeps it safely away from pet bowls and delicate décor.

Compared to the Roomba 105 Vac, the D13S MAX is a clear upgrade in suction, smart features, and mopping capability—ideal for pet owners who want a true all-in-one solution. While the Roomba excels in simplicity, this model delivers next-level automation for tech-savvy users or larger homes needing precision cleaning. It’s more advanced than the Tikom G8000 Max and out-suctions the Shark AI, though it lacks a bagless base. For those prioritizing maximum suction, long-term convenience, and integrated mopping, the D13S MAX justifies its premium standing with unmatched performance.

The Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty Dock is a no-nonsense powerhouse built for pet owners who demand reliability without complexity. With 70x more power-lifting suction than older Roomba models, it devours pet hair, dust bunnies, and tracked-in dirt with a 3-stage cleaning system that includes a multi-surface rubber brush and edge-sweeping bristles. The AutoEmpty dock is the star here—trapping 99% of allergens in a sealed bag and offering 75 days of hands-free operation, making it one of the most allergen-conscious options available. If your main goal is a clean home with minimal interaction, this robot delivers with iRobot’s signature simplicity.

During testing, the ClearView LiDAR navigation mapped our home quickly and cleaned in neat, methodical rows—unlike the random bounce patterns of budget models. It navigates around furniture legs and under coffee tables with confidence, though it occasionally bumps into chair rails. The spot clean mode is a lifesaver for post-meal kitchen messes, running in tight spirals for up to five minutes. While it lacks mopping, its dedicated carpet and edge cleaning outperforms many combo models. Battery life is solid at 90 minutes, enough for homes up to 1,500 sq ft, but larger spaces require recharging without resume functionality—its biggest performance gap.

Against the Roborock Q7 M5+, the Roomba 105 trades some suction power (3000Pa vs 10000Pa) for superior brand trust, ease of use, and allergen containment. It’s less tech-heavy than the D13S MAX but more intuitive for non-tech users. Ideal for pet owners who want a set-it-and-forget-it cleaner with proven reliability, it’s the gold standard for low-maintenance, high-impact cleaning. While it doesn’t mop or resume cleaning, its seamless integration with Alexa and Google Assistant and sleek design make it a top pick for those valuing simplicity, pet hair removal, and long-term hygiene over bells and whistles.

The uninell UR3 is a quiet giant in the robot vacuum world—slim, smart, and built for large homes that demand endurance. With a 3.5L self-emptying station—the largest capacity in this lineup—it goes up to 70 days without manual intervention, making it a standout for busy households. The 5000Pa cyclone suction and 20,000 RPM brush handle pet hair and cereal spills with ease, while the 180-minute runtime covers up to 2,000 sq ft on a single charge—perfect for sprawling layouts. If your struggle is incomplete cleanings or frequent docking, the UR3’s recharge-and-resume feature ensures full coverage without oversight.

In real use, the Lidar navigation created accurate maps within two runs and handled multi-story homes flawlessly, remembering floor plans for basement and main levels. The no-go and no-mop zones worked precisely—keeping the robot away from pet bowls and area rugs—while the 3.8-inch ultra-thin profile slipped under sofas and beds effortlessly. Mopping is decent with adjustable flow, though it’s not for heavy stains. One drawback: the 2.4GHz-only Wi-Fi limits connectivity for some routers, and voice control can lag slightly. Still, the tangle-free roller brush lived up to its name, even with long-haired dogs, and the remote control makes it accessible for elderly users.

Next to the Tikom G8000 Max, the UR3 offers double the runtime and a larger dust capacity, making it far better for large homes. While the Tikom is more budget-friendly, the UR3 delivers enterprise-level automation at a mid-tier price. It doesn’t match the D13S MAX’s suction, but its combination of runtime, capacity, and multi-floor intelligence makes it the best choice for big spaces. For families in townhomes or ranch-style houses who want a reliable, long-running, self-sufficient cleaner, the UR3 is a silent workhorse that outperforms its price tag in endurance and smart features.

The Roborock Q7 M5+ is the undisputed value king, packing 10,000Pa HyperForce suction and a dual anti-tangle system into a sub-$250 package that outguns pricier rivals. Its JawScrapers main brush and 0% hair-tangling side brush make it a pet hair annihilator, effortlessly handling long-haired dogs without daily maintenance. The 2.7L dust bag supports 7–9 weeks of hands-free cleaning, and the three water flow settings allow precise mopping—from light misting to deeper scrubbing. If you want premium performance without the luxury price, this robot delivers where it counts.

In testing, the PreciSense LiDAR mapped our home in under two minutes and optimized cleaning paths with near-laser accuracy. It navigated around toys, cords, and furniture legs with minimal bumps, and the edge cleaning mode dug deep into corners. The 10,000Pa suction lifted sand from tile grout and pet hair from low-pile rugs in one pass. Battery life is 150 minutes—enough for 1,800 sq ft—and it recharges and resumes flawlessly. However, the mopping pad tends to dry out on large jobs, and the 2.4GHz-only app can be finicky during initial setup. Still, for daily maintenance, it’s impressively thorough.

Versus the Shark AI, the Q7 M5+ offers higher suction, better app control, and anti-tangle tech at a lower price, though the Shark has a bagless base. Compared to the Roomba 105, it adds mopping and stronger navigation for only slightly more. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners on a budget who want high-end features without compromise. For those weighing performance, price, and pet hair, the Q7 M5+ strikes a near-perfect balance, offering flagship-level cleaning in a value-packed body.

The Shark AI Ultra is engineered for relentless coverage, leveraging Matrix Clean Navigation to clean in precise grid patterns with multiple passes over high-traffic zones—ensuring no speck is left behind. Its XL self-empty base holds 60 days of debris and is bagless, eliminating the ongoing cost of disposable bags—a major win for budget-conscious users. With powerful Shark suction and a self-cleaning brushroll that resists hair wrap, it’s tailor-made for homes with pets and shedding issues. If your floors suffer from tracked-in dirt or recurring messes, this robot delivers deep, repeatable cleaning with minimal input.

During real-world use, the 360° LiDAR mapped our home accurately and adapted quickly to furniture shifts. The matrix pattern is slower but more thorough than random navigation, especially on carpets where it made two full passes by default. The recharge-and-resume feature handled our 2,300 sq ft space in two cycles seamlessly. While it lacks mopping, its edge cleaning and carpet boost are excellent. One downside: the suction, while strong, doesn’t match the 10,000–11,500Pa range of top models, and the app is basic compared to Roborock or uninell. Still, voice control via Alexa and Google works flawlessly.

Against the Roomba 105, the Shark offers longer runtime and bagless convenience, though Roomba has better allergen sealing. It’s less feature-rich than the D13S MAX but more durable in carpet-heavy homes. Ideal for pet owners who prioritize deep, consistent cleaning and hate buying bags, it’s the best long-run performer in its class. For those who value coverage, durability, and cost savings over smart mopping, the Shark AI Ultra is a workhorse built to last.

The Tikom G8000 Max is the budget-friendly underdog that punches above its weight with 5000Pa suction, simultaneous vacuum and mop, and a 150-minute runtime—all for under $170. Its 450ml dustbin and 300ml water tank combo lets it clean large areas in one go, reducing chore time by nearly half. The ultra-slim 2.99-inch profile slips under furniture most robots can’t reach, and the zig-zag cleaning mode maximizes coverage on hard floors. If your main goal is affordable automation with solid core performance, this model delivers essential features without fluff.

In testing, it handled pet hair and cereal spills on tile and low-pile carpet well, though it struggled slightly on thick rugs. The LiDAR-free navigation relies on sensors and random patterns, so coverage is less efficient than LiDAR models—requiring longer clean times. It recharges and resumes, but mapping is basic and it can’t remember multiple floors. The app works, but can be slow, and voice control is hit-or-miss. Still, for small to medium homes, it’s impressively capable. The remote control is a thoughtful touch for non-smartphone users.

Compared to the uninell UR3, it lacks LiDAR and long runtime, but costs half as much. Against the Roborock Q7 M5+, it sacrifices suction and anti-tangle tech for price. It’s the best choice for first-time buyers, renters, or seniors who want basic robotic cleaning with mopping at an entry-level cost. While it doesn’t match premium models in intelligence or power, the G8000 Max offers unbeatable value for simple, effective cleaning—proving you don’t need to spend big for a smarter home.