Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums: Reviews and Comparisons
Let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated self-emptying robot vacuums available today.
1. iRobot Roomba s9+
Price: Around $999
Key Features: 40x suction power, self-emptying bin, smart mapping, D-shaped design for edge cleaning.
The Roomba s9+ is often considered the gold standard in the robot vacuum market, especially when it comes to self-emptying models. Its self-emptying Clean Base can hold up to 60 days’ worth of dirt, making it ideal for those who want to minimize maintenance. The vacuum itself boasts powerful suction — up to 40 times stronger than previous Roomba models — making it particularly effective on carpets and high-traffic areas.
The D-shaped design allows for better edge and corner cleaning, and its smart mapping technology remembers room layouts, enabling targeted and efficient cleaning. The vacuum is also compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing you to control it with simple voice commands.
Pros:
Extremely powerful suction
Great for high-traffic areas and pet hair
Advanced smart mapping and navigation
Long-lasting dirt storage in the Clean Base
Cons:
Higher price point
No mopping function
2. Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE
Price: Around $599
Key Features: Self-cleaning brush roll, self-emptying base, room mapping, compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
The Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative to some of the pricier models on this list. Its self-emptying base can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt, and it’s equipped with a self-cleaning brush roll, which helps prevent hair wrap — a must-have feature for pet owners. Shark’s vacuum comes with room-mapping capabilities that allow you to set no-go zones and clean specific areas on demand.
While not as powerful as the Roomba s9+, the Shark IQ still provides excellent suction and is particularly effective on hard floors and low- to medium-pile carpets.
Pros:
Affordable for a self-emptying vacuum
Self-cleaning brush roll is great for homes with pets
Effective smart mapping for efficient cleaning
Voice control via Alexa and Google Assistant
Cons:
Not as strong on high-pile carpets
Can be noisy during operation
3. Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
Price: Around $1,399
Key Features: Self-emptying and self-cleaning dock, mopping function, 5100Pa suction power, obstacle avoidance technology.
The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is one of the most advanced robot vacuums on the market, not just because of its self-emptying capabilities but also due to its combination of vacuuming and mopping functions. Its empty-wash-fill dock allows the vacuum to not only empty its dustbin but also clean its mop, refill its water tank, and continue cleaning without manual intervention.
This vacuum is equipped with 5100Pa suction power, making it the strongest in its class, and it features advanced obstacle avoidance technology to prevent collisions with furniture or small objects like cables. With both vacuuming and sonic mopping abilities, the S7 MaxV Ultra is an all-in-one solution for keeping hard floors and carpets clean.
Pros:
Powerful suction for deep carpet cleaning
Combines vacuuming and mopping in one device
Self-cleaning and self-emptying dock
Excellent navigation and obstacle avoidance
Cons:
Expensive
Dock requires more space than typical vacuum bases
4. Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8+
Price: Around $799
Key Features: Vacuum and mop combo, 5200mAh battery, smart navigation, self-emptying base.
The Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8+ offers both vacuuming and mopping features, making it a versatile choice for mixed flooring types. Its auto-empty station can hold up to 30 days of dirt, reducing maintenance for weeks at a time. The vacuum uses laser-based LiDAR navigation to create highly accurate maps of your home, allowing for efficient cleaning paths.
With its 5200mAh battery, the Deebot T8+ can clean for up to three hours on a single charge, making it a great option for larger homes. Additionally, its advanced sensors allow it to avoid obstacles and stairs, further enhancing its navigation capabilities.
Pros:
Long battery life for larger homes
Includes both vacuuming and mopping functions
Accurate mapping and efficient navigation
Self-emptying base reduces maintenance
Cons:
Mopping feature lacks scrubbing power for tough stains
Can struggle with high-pile carpets
5. iRobot Roomba i7+
Price: Around $799
Key Features: Self-emptying base, smart mapping, 10x suction power.
The Roomba i7+ is a slightly more affordable alternative to the s9+, but it still delivers excellent performance and many of the same features. Its Clean Base holds up to 60 days of dirt, and the vacuum uses iRobot’s smart mapping technology to remember room layouts and clean specific areas on command.
With 10 times the suction power of previous Roomba models, the i7+ is more than capable of handling daily dirt, dust, and pet hair. It’s compatible with voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant and can be scheduled for regular cleanings through the iRobot app.
Pros:
Excellent for pet hair and hard floors
Intelligent room mapping for efficient cleaning
Clean Base holds 60 days of dirt
Lower price than the Roomba s9+
Cons:
Not as powerful as the s9+
Limited to vacuuming (no mopping function)
Key Considerations When Buying a Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
Before purchasing a self-emptying robot vacuum, consider the following factors to ensure you pick the right model for your home:
1. Suction Power
For homes with carpets or pets, strong suction power is essential for lifting dirt, pet hair, and dust from deep within carpet fibers. Look for models with high suction ratings (measured in Pa) if you need heavy-duty cleaning.
2. Flooring Type
If your home has a mix of carpets and hard floors, you may want a vacuum with both vacuuming and mopping features, like the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra or Ecovacs Deebot Ozmo T8+.
3. Bin Capacity
The larger the bin capacity in the self-emptying base, the less frequently you’ll need to empty it. Most models hold between 30 and 60 days of dirt, so choose according to the size of your home and how much debris is typically collected.
4. Budget
Self-emptying robot vacuums range in price from around $500 to over $1,000. Determine your budget and prioritize the features that are most important to you, such as suction power, smart mapping, or mopping capabilities.
5. Smart Features
If you prefer to control your vacuum via a smartphone app or voice assistant, ensure the model you choose supports these smart features. Many self-emptying vacuums are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and dedicated apps.
Final Thoughts: Which Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum Is Right for You?
Self-emptying robot vacuums take the convenience of automated cleaning to the next level. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate in performance and power with the Roomba s9+, or a budget-friendly option like the Shark IQ Robot, there’s a self-emptying model to suit every home and cleaning need.
For those who want a truly hands-off experience with both vacuuming and mopping capabilities, the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is an all-in-one powerhouse. If you’re focused on powerful suction and minimal maintenance, the iRobot Roomba i7+ offers great value for its price.
Whichever model you choose, a self-emptying robot vacuum will save you time, effort, and hassle — allowing you to enjoy a cleaner home with minimal upkeep.
Happy cleaning!