Before iRobot launched the Roomba I7+, part of robot vacuum ownership was emptying the dust container.
It’s a tedious but necessary task that can be messy. But all that changed when the I7+ came out, and it was a hit – being one of the most popular self-emptying robots ever manufactured.
Since it came out, other brands have followed suit, and we’ll look at the best self-emptying robot vacuums (at least the ones I’ve tested).
An Overview of the Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums
Despite the article title, it’s impossible to name one particular model as the best auto-empty robot since many variables are involved.
Update Mar 20, 2023: Since I published this article, there have been several new robot vacuum releases, namely the Roomba J7, Combo J7, Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra, Q5, Q7 Max, Dreame L10S Ultra, and much more.
Newer models have the self-emptying feature and pad-washing element, making these more versatile and autonomous.
With these releases, I have to update this list with the latest testing data.
Top Picks
Here are my top picks for the best self-emptying robot vacuums. Each variance will bring something unique to the table.
The previous winner, the
The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra takes over the top spot from the
This variant is a Roborock-first with pad-washing and self-emptying features, making it more autonomous than the S9+.
While the S9+ is the best option for vacuuming carpet, the S7 MaxV Ultra is more versatile since it adds a mopping element with (much) better range.
Best Overall: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
- Airflow: 13.39 CFM
- Deep Cleaning: 77.95%
- Navigation: Front Camera + Gyroscope
- Self-empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5liters
- Clean water tank capacity: 3 liters
- Dirty water tank capacity: 2.5 liters
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 4
- Containment: Yes
- Selective Room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Brush roll: Twin rubber extractors
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Mopping: Yes
- Water tank (inside robot): 200ml
- Type: N/A
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 180 minutes
- Noise: 72.9 dB
Best Cleaning Performance: Roomba S9 +
- Airflow: 25 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 93%
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
- Navigation: Camera & SLAM
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 10
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 500ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 3300 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 75 mins
- Noise: 74.1 dB
Cheaper Alternative to the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Dreame L10S Ultra
- Airflow: 14.98 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 77.95%
- Mopping: Yes
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 3 liters
- Clean water tank capacity: 2.5 liters
- Dirty water tank capacity: 2.4 liters
- Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 4
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 350ml
- Water tank (inside robot): N/A
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 210 mins
- Noise: 63.6 dB
Best Value-for-Money Alternative: Yeedi Vac Station
- Airflow: 23 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 80%
- Mopping: Yes
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5 liters
- Navigation: Smart Navigation
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 1
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 420ml
- Water tank: 240 ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 200 minutes
- Noise: 66.1 dB
Best Robot Vacuum & Mop Hybrid: Roborock S7+
- Airflow: 13.91 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 78.85%
- Mopping: Yes
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 3 liters
- Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 4
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 420ml
- Water tank: 300ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 180 mins
- Noise: 69.8 dB
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Mid-Priced Alternatives
The list above consists of costly high-end options (except for Yeedi).
Most consumers will shy away from these variants because of the high price tag, so here are other more cost-effective alternatives.
Another Roborock, the Q5+, sits on top of this list since it offers more for the same price as other brands like iRobot.
This model is one of several new Roborock releases in the past year and represents the new Q-Series lineup with the more traditional tower base station.
Roborock Q5+
- Airflow: 16.75 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 75.7%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5-liters
- Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 4
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Brush roll: Combo brush
- Dustbin capacity: 470ml
- Mopping: No
- Water tank: N/A
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 180 mins
- Noise: 66.2 dB
Roomba I6+
- Airflow: 8.2 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 82.5%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.5 liters (approx.)
- Navigation: Neat Rows
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 10
- Keep out zones: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 75 minutes
- Noise: 64.9 dB
Roomba I3+
- Airflow: 7.27 CFM
- Deep Cleaning: 84.7%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Navigation: Smart Navigation
- Map saving: Yes
- Containment: No
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Rubber extractors: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 1800 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 75 minutes
- Noise: 64.9 dB
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Best Obstacle Avoiding Robots
With obstacle-avoiding robot vacuums, there are several contenders, including Dreame, Ecovacs, and Roborock, but one option stands out – the Roomba J7 series.
I’ve reviewed several and put these through grueling obstacle-evading tests with wires and pet feces around.
Only the J7 and Combo J7 are the only ones to consistently avoid high-risk objects like pet feces and stretched wires.
Other brands will struggle, especially wires, which are Kryptonite to most robot vacuums.
Roborock is the second-best option I’ve tested, but not in the stratosphere of the Roomba J7 in this category.
Roomba Combo J7+
- Airflow: 9.8 CFM
- Deep Cleaning: 88.3%
- Navigation: Front Camera + Gyroscope + Optical Sensor
- Self-empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.4-liters
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 10
- Containment: Yes
- Selective Room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Brush roll: Twin rubber extractors
- Dustbin capacity: <400ml
- Mopping: Yes
- Water tank capacity: approx. 100ml
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 4460 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 60 – 80 minutes
- Noise: 66.2 dB
Roomba J7+
- Airflow: 7.27 CFM
- Deep Cleaning: 85.7%
- Navigation: Front Camera + Gyroscope + Optical Sensor
- Self-empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 2.4-liters
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 10
- Containment: Yes
- Selective Room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Brush roll: Twin rubber extractors
- Dustbin capacity: 400ml
- Mopping: Yes
- Water tank capacity: N/A
- Side brush: One
- Battery: 2410 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 90 minutes
- Noise: 63 dB
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Other “Budget” Alternatives
These models are the other cheap self-emptying alternatives for budget-conscious shoppers.
The Shark IQ pioneered it and remained one of the more popular options.
Ultenic is a new brand, and its primary selling point is the sizeable 4.3-liter bag that can hold up to 60 days’ worth of debris.
Shark IQ XL Auto Empty
- Airflow: 18.87 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 80%
- Mopping: No
- Auto empty: Yes
- Auto empty dustbin capacity: 1.8 liters
- Bag capacity: No bag (bagless)
- Navigation: Smart Navigation
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 1
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: approx. 400ml
- Water tank: N/A
- Side brush: Two
- Battery: 2990 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 60 minutes
- Noise: 64.8 dB
Ultenic T10
- Airflow: 14.52 CFM
- Deep cleaning: 49.55%
- Mopping: Yes
- Auto empty: Yes
- Bag capacity: 4.3-liters
- Navigation: LIDAR & SLAM
- Map saving: Yes
- Number of maps: 1
- Containment: Yes
- Selective room cleaning: Yes
- Recharge & Resume: Yes
- Dustbin capacity: 580 ml
- Water tank: Not specified
- Side brush: Two
- Battery: 5200 mAh Li-ion
- Run time: 280 mins
- Noise: 69.5 dB
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Introduction to the Best Auto Empty Robot Vacuum
Self-emptying robot vacuums are gaining popularity as more brands have implemented this feature (at least) into their top-spec options.
Its primary selling point is automatically emptying the robot’s dustbin after every run, ridding consumers of this messy task.
I’ve tested a bunch, and there are two main design types: a ramp-style dock and a vertical port.
1. Ramp-style offers better stability
The most common design in shopping sites is the ramp-style dock, where the robot sits on a ramp.
Several notable brands utilize this design, like iRobot, Dreame, Roborock, Ecovacs, and Yeedi.
This design offers the best stability since the port is directly under the robot, eliminating alignment issues.
2. The port size will vary depending on the design
Most will have one functioning port, like the Shark IQ, Roomba I3+, I6+, S9+, Ultenic T10, and Dreame Z10 Pro.
Other brands like Yeedi and Ecovacs have two ports, helping them empty large debris quantities better.
Vertical ports are less bulky
One issue with ramp-style docks is the bulk with the ramp sticking out.
Vertical ports don’t have this issue since it doesn’t have a ramp.
My favorite design is the Shark IQ auto-empty station with the handle, making it easy to move around.
However, the biggest issue with this design is the potential alignment issue since the port is vertically aligned.
Some brands like Ultenic recommend against using the dock on carpets because of it.
In comparison, others, like the Shark, have an accessory to aid with stability (SharkMat).
Best Overall: Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
One of Roborock’s best products to date is the S7 MaxV Ultra. It’s their first with a do-it-all base station with pad-washing and self-emptying features.
Pros
- Most versatile and autonomous option
- Do-it-all base station with pad-washing and self-emptying features
- Efficient navigation
- Improved obstacle avoidance over the S6 MaxV
- Proficient mopping performance
- Above-average surface debris pick-up
- Excellent pad-washing feature
- Self-refilling
Cons
- Premium cost
- Below-average at deep cleaning carpets
- Can’t pick up liquid
Since it has the pad-washing feature, the base station is massive and dwarfs the previous S7.
Unlike other brands like Dreame, where the water tanks and bag are in different levels, the S7 MaxV has it in one row.
This configuration provides easy access to the water tank and bag without compromising capacity.
Another upgrade Roborock put into this model is the obstacle avoidance sensor, enabling it to avoid objects better than other Roborock options, even the S6 MaxV.
It uses the identical bristle-less roller as the S7+, and VibraRise pad, enabling it to mop stains.
Despite the below-average airflow, it retains the same cleaning dynamics as older Roborock models, so it’s efficient at surface debris pick-up.
One issue with the low airflow is it hampers it, vacuuming embedded debris.
Consumers who don’t mind spending a premium and need an autonomous robot vacuum for vacuuming and mopping should consider the S7 MaxV Ultra.
Best Cleaning Performance: Roomba S9 +
I’ve tested many robot vacuums, and one model that sticks out as the best cleaning option is the Roomba S9+.
It was consistent on both surfaces, picking up a nearly perfect score on surface debris and the highest in deep cleaning tests.
Pros
- Best-in-class vacuuming performance
- The wide 9″ extractors offer a broader cleaning path than most other brands
- Excellent at cleaning embedded sand on mid-pile carpet (93%)
- Superb at picking up five and seven-inch hair strands
- The square front makes it efficient at cleaning edges
Cons
- Ultra-expensive
- Short run time (between 45 and 75 minutes)
- iRobot app lacks some features
The
All enhancements aim to improve cleaning performance.
The most obvious change was the shape. iRobot changed it from a puck-shaped design to a square front similar to a Neato Botvac.
The second enhancement is moving the brush roll towards the front end and increasing the width to 9″ (or 30% wider than the I-series).
These changes and the increased power improved the S9+ performance and efficiency over the previous I-Series robots.
As I’ve said, it’s the best performance robot across the board.
The wide extractors, high-end agitation, and airflow enable it to pick up more debris than any robot vacuum.
Not only was this based on measured tests, but also the eye test.
It picked up 100% of sand on hard floors and 93% in deep cleaning tests – the best of the bunch here.
Best Value-for-Money Option: Yeedi Vac Station
One of the surprises crunching cleaning percentages is the Yeedi Vac Station results.
It was third overall in the cleaning tests behind the Roomba S9+ and Roborock S7+, buoyed by the solid 80% result in deep cleaning tests – the best non-Roomba options here.
Here’s the clincher – it’s one of the least expensive alternatives on this list.
So I had little choice but to hail this as the best value-for-money option.
Pros
- One of the least expensive options on this list
- Excellent cleaning performance for the price
- Low profile design will fit under furniture with a 3.1″ clearance
- Mopping is almost as good as a Roborock S5 Max
- Only VSLAM robot with a live map
- It runs for up to 180-minutes
Cons
- Bristled side brush will wear out faster
- VSLAM algorithm is reliant on light (may not function optimally in a dark space)
The Yeedi Vac Station’s performance isn’t a surprise since it shares many components with Ecovacs.
Some comments in my video review mention that Yeedi is under the Ecovacs umbrella, so parts availability shouldn’t be an issue since the filter, bags, and side brushes are interchangeable.
But since it isn’t as popular as iRobot, harder-to-find components like the side brush motor could be an issue.
Maintenance is a critical aspect of robot vacuum ownership, which I’ll cover in a separate article.
The use of VSLAM also makes this robot reliant on light.
Using it in a dark environment may cause some issues with navigation.
Don’t expect it to perform like a
Lastly, the mopping feature makes it a highly versatile option on hard floors.
It doesn’t have the vibrating mopping pad as the Roborock S7+, but the results were almost as good as the Roborock S5 Max.
I like the simplicity of the design since the lack of moving parts bodes well for longevity.
I wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty mopping. None of the robot vacuum hybrids I’ve tested will fare well on heavily soiled floors.
Cheaper Do-It-All Option: Dreame L10S Ultra
A cheaper alternative to the expensive Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the Dreame L10S Ultra.
Like its Roborock counterpart, the L10S Ultra offers a do-it-all base station but in a different configuration.
Pros
- Cheaper than the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra
- Large capacity clean and dirty water tanks
- Efficient mopping performance
- Above-average surface debris pick-up
- The do-it-all base station makes it autonomous
Cons
- Sub-par obstacle avoidance
- Below-average deep cleaning
- The ribbed contraption doesn’t clean the pads thoroughly
Unlike Roborock, where the water tank and bag are in one row, this variant has it in different levels.
The water tanks sit on top.
And the bag is positioned underneath.
Another difference with the Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the mopping pad. This variant uses two spinning discs behind the brush roll with a similar pad-lift feature.
Another similarity with the S7 MaxV Ultra is its obstacle avoidance technology, but (based on experiments) it’s not as good since the robot gets too close.
The two discs are efficient at removing stains, but its pad-washing element isn’t as good as Roborock’s bristles, so it doesn’t keep the pads clean.
Cleaning performance isn’t far off Roborock, but a notch below it.
Considering the price variance, it’s something to consider since it offers the same efficient navigation and autonomy with pad-washing and self-emptying features.
Best Robot Vacuum and Mop Hybrid: Roborock S7+
Outside the
But one feature it has over the other alternatives here is its sonic mopping system, giving it an agitation element absent in other brands.
Pros
- Outstanding cleaning performance (#2 behind the
Roomba S9 + overall) - Sonic mopping adds an agitation element lacking in other brands
- Upgraded brush roll improves agitation to another level
- Decent deep cleaning results
- Slightly larger auto-empty bag than the Roomba options
- Auto empty dock picks up debris sticking on the filter
- Long 180-minute run time
Cons
- Technological complexity does have some worried about its long-term viability
- The Massive mopping bracket adds a lot of weight to the robot
- Sub-par edge cleaning
- Very expensive
What’s impressive is how Roborock achieved excellent cleaning with lower airflow.
I’m not sure why the S7 has lower airflow scores. It could be the chunky roller covering most of the opening, but the results speak for themselves.
For homes without or with minimal carpet, I’d go with the Roborock S7+ over the
The S7 is the more versatile robot that does both tasks well.
One concern raised by some is the complexity of the mopping system. How long will it last?
Only time will tell how it holds up, but one way to ensure longevity is to use a fresh pad for each mopping cycle.
Doing so will reduce unnecessary wear and tear, which helps its longevity.
Cheaper Alternative to the Roomba S9 +: Roomba I6+
For budget-conscious shoppers who can’t or don’t want to spend a premium on the S9+, a good, less expensive alternative is the Roomba I6+.
It retains many of the same features as the S9+ but with less power and slightly inferior performance.
The shape is the most significant of these variances, as the I6 retains the round frame in older Roomba models.
So it utilizes narrower extractors and a fast-spinning side brush that tend to scatter debris.
Outside the
Pros
- Less expensive option to the
Roomba S9 + - One of the better options for deep cleaning carpet
- Abundant parts availability makes it viable for long term ownership
- iRobot app can save up to 10 map levels
Cons
- Fast-spinning side brush will scatter large debris quantities
- VSLAM is reliant on light
Important note: The Roomba I6+ is similar to the I7+ with variations in color scheme and accessory inclusions out of the box.
Roomba products are excellent for carpets, thanks to iRobot’s patented counter-rotating extractors and dirt-detect.
These rollers have grooves that agitate carpet better than any robot vacuum.
Dirt-detect does extra passes when it senses more debris, so it’s also the most thorough option available.
Again, if cost is a higher priority, the Roomba I6+ will be a more attractive option than the S9+.
Budget Self-Emptying iRobot Option: Roomba I3+
The last of the iRobot triumvirate is the Roomba I3+. It’s one of the later releases after the S9, I7, and I6, offering consumers a more cost-friendly alternative.
One reason iRobot could decrease the price is that it doesn’t have the camera-based VSLAM algorithm.
In its place are gyroscopes and an optical floor tracking sensor for navigation.
Pros
- Cheapest Roomba auto-empty option
- The crisscross pattern is more efficient than the Roomba I6 and S9
- Slightly better than the I6+ at deep-cleaning carpet
- Despite not having VSLAM, it still has recharge and resume
Cons
- No map saving and access to features like keep-out zones and selective room cleaning
Not having VSLAM means the I3 can’t save maps; therefore, it won’t have advanced features like keep-out zones.
Surprisingly, its fixed crisscross cleaning pattern seems more efficient – at least for the small room test.
The I3+’s textured matte finish exterior is more resistant to fingerprints than the glossy finish of the other two Roombas.
This variant has nothing fancy, but it’s a good solid option for those who don’t mind not having the advanced navigational specs.
Best Obstacle w/ Obstacle Avoidance: Roomba J7+
iRobot isn’t the first robot vacuum with obstacle avoidance, but it has the best algorithm for evading objects.
The distinction goes to the Ecovacs T8 AIVI and Roborock S6 MaxV, but their performance pales compared to the J7.
Pros
- Best-in-class obstacle avoidance
- Storage for an extra bag
- Low-profile base station
- Above-average deep cleaning performance
- Thorough navigation algorithm thanks to “dirt detect” and the crisscross pattern
- Fits under low-clearance furniture
Cons
- Expensive
- Side brush will scatter large debris piles
- Low airflow
However, neither has the auto-empty base station in the J7+, giving this iRobot product a huge advantage with automation.
Another plus with this model is the low-profile design with storage for an extra bag.
The J7+ utilizes the same motor and brush layout as the I3 and I6, so expect roughly the same performance.
This includes the rapid spinning side brush that scatters debris, which iRobot hasn’t resolved even with the newer Combo J7.
Dreame Z10 Pro
Another option for obstacle avoidance is the Dreame Z10 Pro. It’s similar to Ecovacs in that it has front 3D sensors.
I’m unsure how these manufacturers calibrate these sensors, but Dreame’s version better avoids a broader range of objects.
It’s also deep cleans (carpet) better than Ecovacs, and you could say it’s a better value option if you don’t mind its newness.
Pros
- Fourth best behind the Yeedi Vac Station, Roborock S7, and
Roomba S9 + in cleaning tests - It has an excellent obstacle avoidance system
- Above-average deep cleaning results
- The sizeable 4-liter bag will hold up to 65 days worth of debris
- Very efficient navigation
Cons
- The auto empty system tends to blow debris to the inlet port
- Being a new player means limited parts availability
One issue with new brands or models is its uncertainty with parts availability.
The question is, will Dreame still be there after the next five to ten years?
I’ve seen new brands come and go the past few months with cordless stick vacuums, namely the Jimmy JV51 and Moosoo K17.
So I’d pause and not fully recommend new brands until they prove their longevity in this industry.
Dreame is a relative newcomer but is quite active with product development and release.
Being under the Xiaomi company does mitigate the risk, but it’s not a big-name company like iRobot, Shark, or Ecovacs with a more established following.
Consider the Dreame Z10 Pro if you value cleaning performance and obstacle avoidance.
Shark IQ Auto Empty
Before introducing the Shark IQ robot vacuum, Roomba dominated this space with its innovative but expensive products.
Shark broke the price barrier with the IQ Auto Empty and gave consumers a cheaper alternative.
The initial release had flaws, and the most glaring was the lack of a floor tracking sensor, leading to map creation issues.
Fortunately, this issue has been rectified by adding a floor tracking sensor.
It only took one run to create the map during my tests, and it was quick.
The IQ Auto Empty is the only bagless option here, with the smallest capacity at just 1.8 liters.
One plus with the low volume is the compact frame, and it comes with a handle, making it the easiest to move around.
Pros
- The compact auto empty dock is easy to move around
- Excellent at resisting strands from shorter 5-inch strands
- Decent at cleaning embedded sand on mid pile carpet (75%)
- Bagless dock means $$$ savings of not having to purchase bags continually
- The slow spinning side brush will not scatter debris
Cons
- SharkClean app lacks features
- It can only do a single-pass run – lacks thoroughness
- Emptying the auto-empty dustbin can be messy if you’re not careful
Using a bagless design means less running cost since there’s no need to buy and replace bags regularly.
But you’ll still have to replace the HEPA filter, but that will be less frequent.
Performance-wise, the Shark IQ is decent with surface debris but not great.
What hampers it is the lack of thoroughness as it only goes around once.
The SharkClean app does have an extended run option, but I don’t see any improvement with this feature turned on.
Its high airflow does mitigate this shortcoming, but you’ll have to do multiple runs per day for it to be more meticulous.
Shark advertises the IQ to have an anti-tangle system, but it works up to a certain length – only five inches.
Anything higher will halt the robot and prevent the brush from spinning, thus triggering an error code.
You can see in the photo below; longer hair is wrapped on the brush.
Another issue is the app since it lacks certain features. Aside from the single-pass run, it can only save one map, which defeats the purpose of the light base station.
Ultenic T10
The last robot on this list is the Ultenic T10. It’s a new brand, and they did send me this robot vacuum to test as part of their marketing campaign.
One feature going for it is the generous 4.3-liter bag size – the largest of all the options here.
Ultenic says it can hold up to two months’ worth of debris.
However, one issue with the T10 auto empty station is its incompatibility on carpets due to alignment concerns.
It’s one of the points of emphasis I explained earlier in this article.
It could be an issue depending on how your floors are laid out. Another issue is the poor deep cleaning performance (49.55%), the worst score of the nine robots here.
Pros
- The spacious 4.3-liter bag can hold up to two months of debris
- It has a full bag sensor to notify users
- Innovative containment feature, combining invisible wall and no-go zones
- Above-average at cleaning surface debris
- Extra-long run time at 280 minutes
Cons
- It had the worst results at deep cleaning carpet
- Auto empty dock not usable on carpet
However, this robot is decent on hard floors, especially with sand, as it picked up 99.1% – better than the Roomba I3 and I6!
It also doubles as a robot mop, but I did notice it stalling a few times during the mopping run with red wine stains.
I wouldn’t recommend it for cleaning, but only for light-duty mopping.
Auto Empty Dock Comparison
These variants will have varying auto-empty station designs, split into two types I mentioned earlier.
I prefer a ramp-style dock since it provides stability and is usable on different surfaces.
Base station size will vary, and the Dreame Z10 Pro has the largest clean base station.
Most of the brands I’ve tested have a bagged system.
Only the Shark IQ has a bagless auto-empty dustbin, and here are the capacities.
- Ultenic T10 (bagged): 4.3 liters
- Dreame Z10 Pro (bagged): 4 liters
- Dreame L10S Ultra: 3 liters
- Roborock S7 (bagged): 3 liters
- Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra (bagged): 2.5 liters
- Yeedi Vac Station (bagged): 2.5 liters
- Roomba S9+ (bagged): 2.5 liters *
- Roomba J7+ (bagged): 2.5 liters *
- Roomba I6+ (bagged): 2.5 liters *
- Roomba I3+ (bagged): 2.5 liters *
- Shark IQ Auto Empty (bagless): 1.8 liters
* The bag volume for the
Navigation comparison
These robots mainly use two different navigational algorithms – SLAM and VSLAM.
| Model | Algorithm | Containment | Smart Navigation | Obstacle Avoidance | Map Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba S9+ | VSLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Roborock S7+ | SLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Yeedi Vac Station | VSLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Roomba I3+ | VSLAM | No | Yes | No | No |
| Roomba I6+ | VSLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ecovacs N8 Pro+ | SLAM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dreame Z10 Pro | SLAM | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shark IQ Auto Empty | VSLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ultenic T10 | SLAM | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
SLAM robots rely on a top-mounted laser for map creation and obstacle avoidance.
One advantage is the laser sensor’s ability to fire IR signals in a 360-pattern rapidly.
This aspect helps immensely with map creation and accuracy.
These robots also avoid obstacles better, at least with objects within the laser’s line of sight.
However, one issue with LIDAR-based robots is the extra vertical real estate from the laser cover, adding an eighth of an inch.
VSLAM robots have a lower profile but won’t be as accurate.
It relies on a top-mounted camera and optical sensor that acts as a GPS sensor to draw maps.
Since it utilizes a camera, it relies heavily on light, and a lens won’t be as precise as a laser.
The optical sensor is the primary sensor that determines the perimeter lines.
So, if items are blocking the wall, like a shoe or bag, it will interpret it as a wall.
You can see the difference between the two in the map output.
The bottom line is that LIDAR robots are more accurate than camera robots in this area.
Another advantage of SLAM robots is that nearly all variants have live maps, where users can monitor the status in real-time.
Most VSLAM robots don’t have this feature. Only the Yeedi Vac Station has it, and it doesn’t have the grid lines you’ll see with SLAM robots.
Again, this is LIDAR’s precision at work.
Out of the nine robots here, only the Roomba I3+ doesn’t have SLAM, meaning it can’t save maps, so it can’t access features like keep-out zones.
But it is still technically an intelligent navigating robot since it can track location, recharge, and resume.
Efficiency Comparison
Another aspect I tested with these robots is efficiency, which I do in conjunction with the coverage test.
I scatter quaker oats all over the room to see how much these robots will pick up.
I then check the footage to see how long the robot runs two passes.
The coverage test isn’t measured but an eye test, but it’s a good gauge of what to expect.
Here are the results for all nine robots.
- Yeedi Vac Station: 13:25 mins
- Dreame Z10 Pro: 16:00 mins
- Ultenic T10: 16:28 mins
- Ecovacs N8 Pro+: 17:00 mins
- Shark IQ Auto Empty: 18:00 mins
- Roomba J7+: 18 mins
- Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: 19:20 mins
- Roborock S7: 20:45 mins
- Roomba I3+: 22:43 mins
- Roomba I6+: 28:00 mins
- Dreame L10S Ultra: 30 mins
- Roomba S9: 32:33 mins
The Yeedi Vac Station is the most efficient based on the timed experiments, while the
But factoring in how much debris it vacuums per pass, the
The Roborock S7 had the second-best, picking up more than every brand outside the S9+.
Airflow Comparison
I use an anemometer to measure airflow at the brush roll, and here are the results at the max setting.
- Roomba S9+: 25 CFM
- Yeedi Vac Station: 23 CFM
- Ecovacs N8 Pro+: 22.29 CFM
- Dreame Z10 Pro: 19.33 CFM
- Shark IQ Auto Empty: 18.87 CFM
- Dreame L10S Ultra: 14.98 CFM
- Ultenic T10: 14.52 CFM
- Roborock S7+: 13.91 CFM
- Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: 13.39 CFM
- Roomba I6+: 8.2 CFM
- Roomba I3+: 7.27 CFM
Hands down, the
One surprise on the list is the Yeedi Vac Station at 23 CFM, the second-highest, despite being one of the cheapest options.
Since it uses the same motor as Ecovacs, it shouldn’t be surprising since both brands have.
Cleaning Results Comparison
| Model | Overall | Hard Floor | Sand on Hard Floor | Carpet | Deep Cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba S9+ | 97.93% | 99.5% | 100% | 99.25% | 93% |
| Roborock S7+ | 94.31% | 99.7% | 99.8% | 98.9% | 78.85% |
| Yeedi Vac Station | 93.8% | 98.85% | 99.5% | 96.87% | 80% |
| Dreame Z10 Pro | 93.45% | 98.45% | 97% | 98.42% | 79.95% |
| Roomba I6+ | 93.97% | 97.57 | 98.26% | 97.55% | 82.5% |
| Roomba I3+ | 92.39% | 95.3% | 95.5% | 96.22% | 84.7% |
| Shark IQ | 91.84% | 98.25% | 97.3% | 96.82% | 75% |
| Ecovacs N8 Pro+ | 90.11% | 98.8% | 99.5% | 97.75% | 66.16% |
| Ultenic T10 | 85.38% | 98.7% | 99.1% | 94.15% | 49.55% |
Since the
But the number two robot is since it had the third-worst airflow results.
Despite having only 13 CFM, the Roborock S7+ got the second-best cleaning results.
And that’s a testament to the new bristle-less roller and the floating brush assembly.
Yeedi at number three shouldn’t be a shock since it has the second-highest airflow. It’s also the best non-Roomba at deep cleaning carpets – a big reason I picked it as the best value-for-money option.
The Roomba I3 and I6 didn’t do as well as the S9+, but (still) good enough to finish two and three at deep cleaning the carpet.
Which option is best on hard floors?
The
One barometer I use is sand, and the S9+ picked up a tidy 100%.
But factoring in versatility, I’d make a case for the Roborock S7+ with its vibrating mopping pad.
Despite the low airflow, it picked up an average of 99.8% of sand (2nd best score).
It’s the best robot vacuum hybrid I’ve tested and does both tasks excellently.
Edge Cleaning Comparison
The S9+ square front and wide extractors make it the best and most efficient at cleaning edges.
The Ecovacs N8 Pro and Yeedi Vac Station are honorable mentions, thanks to the twin side brush design.
Hair Wrap Comparison
Next, we’ll examine how much hair these robot vacuums picked up with five and seven-inch strands.
| Model | 5-inch strands | 7-inch strands | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roomba S9+ | 81% | 82% | 81.5% |
| Roomba I6+ | 100% | 54% | 77% |
| Shark IQ | 99% | 36% | 68% |
| Yeedi Vac Station | 87% | 35% | 61% |
| Roborock S7+ | 75% | 44% | 60% |
| Ecovacs N8 Pro+ | 70% | 45% | 58% |
| Dreame Z10 Pro | 83% | 28.5% | 56% |
| Roomba I3+ | 58% | 40% | 49% |
| Ultenic T10 | 42% | 12% | 27% |
Factoring in the averages for both lengths, the
The Roomba I6+ and Shark IQ are the best, with shorter five-inch strands at 100% and 99%, respectively.
Unfortunately, the Shark IQ’s anti-tangle system didn’t work well with longer seven-inch strands.
Which self-emptying robot vacuum is the best for carpets?
Again, it’s the
Its rare combination of high airflow, wide extractors, and excellent agitation makes it a compelling option if carpet cleaning performance is a high priority.
Cheaper options are the Yeedi Vac Station, Roomba I3+, and I6+.
Yeedi is the cheaper alternative, but it won’t deep clean as well as the two Roomba options I mentioned.
Mopping comparison
Not all options here have this functionality. Only Roborock, Yeedi, Ecovacs, Dreame, and Ultenic have this option.
Unfortunately, iRobot and Shark don’t have a mopping feature.
You’ll need to purchase the iRobot Braava or the Shark AI VacMop, so it’s an extra expense for these brands.
The clear winner here is the Roborock S7+ since it’s the only option with a vibrating mopping pad, enhancing agitation.
Because of this, it’s easily the most efficient at stain removal. It only needed one pass to clean red wine stains, while the others needed a second two-pass run to achieve the same results.
Run Time Comparison
Ultenic wins this category with its long 280 minutes thanks to its large capacity, 5200 mAh li-ion battery.
I’m not sure how Ultenic achieved this range, it could be the weaker motor, but it’s an impressive number.
Yeedi has the second-best results with 200 minutes, while the Shark IQ had the worst run time at only 60-minutes.
All these options have recharge and resume, which mitigates those with a shorter range.
But it could be an issue inside large homes above 4000 square feet, as it may need multiple recharges to complete the task.
Noise Comparison
I use a sound meter to check loudness levels from a few feet away for the noise test. Please note that the results you see are from the highest setting.
- Ecovacs N8 Pro+: 64.4 dB
- Roomba I6+: 64.5 dB
- Shark IQ: 64.8 dB
- Yeedi Vac Station: 64.9 dB
- Roomba I3+: 64.9 dB
- Ultenic T10: 69.5 dB
- Roborock S7: 69.8 dB
- Roomba S9+: 74.1 dB
- Dreame Z10 Pro: 75.5 dB
Check the individual reviews for the complete results.
The Dreame Z10 Pro and
The Ecovacs N8 Pro+ and Roomba I6+ are the quietest at 64.4 and 64.5 decibels, respectively.
App Comparison
All options have a smartphone app, unlocking all their features, but the feature set will vary depending on the brand.
I’ll summarize notable features below to give you an overview of what to expect.
1. Live map
All LIDAR robots come with a live map, perhaps my favorite feature for smart robot vacuums.
It shows the robot’s location on the map in real time and takes full advantage of LIDAR’s 360-degree scanning ability.
Only the Yeedi Vac Station is the VSLAM with this functionality. But it lacks the lines you see in laser-based robots that differentiate it.
2. Map Saving
Except for the Roomba I3+, all models have a map-saving feature, but the number of maps will vary.
- Roomba S9+: 10 maps
- Roomba I6+: 10 maps
- Roborock S7: 4 maps
- Ecovacs N8 Pro+: 2 maps
- Dreame Z10 Pro: 2 maps
- Ultenic T10: 1 map
- Yeedi Vac Station: 1 map
- Shark IQ Auto Empty: 1 map
The
While the other options can save between one and two map levels, but this could change with a future firmware update.
3. Map Edit
Once the map is created, the firmware tries to add partitions.
I noticed that this process is more straightforward for LIDAR robots for areas with doorways since it’s an easy point for reference.
However, you’ll have to add partitions manually for camera-equipped robots, which is an extra step.
Room naming is also available. Some apps have custom room naming, while others don’t.
- Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra: Yes
- Roomba S9+: Yes
- Roomba I6+: Yes
- Roomba I3+: No (No map saving)
- Roborock S7: Yes
- Dreame L10S Ultra: Yes
- Ecovacs N8 Pro+: No
- Dreame Z10 Pro: No
- Ultenic T10: Yes (only in the area tab, but there’s no room naming option)
- Yeedi Vac Station: No
- Shark IQ Auto Empty: No
4. Containment
| Model | No-Go Zones | Invisible wall |
|---|---|---|
| Roomba S9+ | Yes | No |
| Roborock S7+ | Yes | Yes |
| Yeedi Vac Station | Yes | No |
| Roomba I3+ | No | No |
| Roomba I6+ | Yes | No |
| Ecovacs N8 Pro+ | Yes | Yes |
| Dreame Z10 Pro | Yes | Yes |
| Shark IQ Auto Empty | Yes | No |
| Ultenic T10 | Yes (Hybrid of no-go zone & invisible wall) | Yes |
Except for the Roomba I3+, all products here have containment features, with each brand using its terminology.
There are two primary types of containment: a boxed area that’s an off-limit area to robots and lines (or invisible walls) that can be drawn straight or diagonal, preventing the robot from going past it.
The iRobot app calls the boxed area keep-out zones but doesn’t have access to the invisible wall.
Roborock calls them no-go zones and has access to no-mop zones, which has the same function, but it only blocks the robot from mopping.
However, I don’t feel that no-mop zones are helpful for the S7 since it has the LIFT feature, so the pad goes up if it detects carpet.
Yeedi calls the boxed area virtual boundaries, but it doesn’t have an invisible wall feature.
Ecovacs and Dreame also have an invisible wall and no-go zones feature as well.
Ultenic has a hybrid feature, combining invisible wall and no-go zones, with up to 10 corners.
5. Selective room cleaning
Another benefit of SLAM (laser and camera-based) is selective room cleaning, wherein users can choose a specific room they want cleaning.
But different apps have different ways of going about it.
For apps with a live map (Roborock, Xiaomi Home, Ecovacs, Yeedi), users can tap on the room(s).
Consumers can tap multiple areas if they need to clean more than one and set the order in which these rooms are cleaned.
For apps without a live map (iRobot, SharkClean), users will have to “check” the rooms on a drop-down list.
6. Zoned cleaning
One variation to selective room cleaning is zoned cleaning, where folks can pinpoint a smaller area to clean.
It’s a similar feature spot cleaning in older random navigating robots, but SLAM-equipped robots have a more exact version.
Instead of bringing the robot to the area, users can draw a box, and the robot goes to that area, vacuum then recharges afterward.
This is a more hands-free approach, and each variant here has its version.
However, only the iRobot app enables folks to save these zones for quick access in future runs.
Other brands don’t have the zoned saving feature, but hopefully, they’ll consider adding it in future updates.
Availability of Parts
One underrated facet of the robot vacuum selection process is the availability of parts.
A robot vacuum has many moving parts, which will wear over time.
Roomba is the clear winner here since it’s the most popular. A wide range of parts is available, not just from iRobot, but also from third-party manufacturers.
What’s great with Roomba products is even harder-to-find components are sold by iRobot on their website.
Ecovacs and Roborock are also gaining popularity, and more third-party brands are starting to sell parts like filters and brushes.
However, it isn’t at iRobot levels yet, so it’s a wait-and-see.
Ecovacs and Yeedi share many components, mainly the brush, water tank, auto-empty bags, and filters. So you can purchase an Ecovacs part, which will fit in the Yeedi Vac Station.
Product Specification
Realize that the specs you see below are taken from the time of writing the review. Software features like the number of maps may change depending on future updates.
SLAM refers to LIDAR-based robots that use a laser sensor.
VSLAM refers to camera-equipped robots relying on a top-mounted camera and an optical floor tracking sensor underneath to create the map.
Run time numbers are based on manufacturer claims.
Airflow numbers are taken from the max setting results. Please check individual reviews for the complete results in different suction levels.
| Model | Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra | Roomba S9+ | Roborock S7 | Yeedi Vac Station | Yeedi Vac Station | Roomba I3+ | Roomba I6+ | Dreame Z10 Pro | Shark IQ | Ultenic T10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |  | | |  | |  |  |  | |
| Width | 13.89" | 12.25" | 13.8" | 13" | 13.77" | 13.34" | 13.34" | 13.8" | 12.8" | 13.78" |
| Height | 3.79" | 3.5" | 3.8" | 3 | 3.03" | 3.63" | 3.63" | 3..8" | 3..5" | 3.86" |
| Filter | High Efficiency | High Efficiency | Washable E11 Rated Air Filter | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency | High-Efficiency | High Efficiency | High Efficiency | High Efficiency |
| Navigation | SLAM | VSLAM | SLAM | VSLAM | VSLAM | Gyroscope + Optical Sensor | VSLAM | SLAM | VSLAM | SLAM |
| Battery capacity | 5200 mAh Li-Ion | 3200 mAh Li-Ion | 5200 mAh Li-Ion | 5200 mAh Li-Ion | 5200 mAh Li-Ion | 1800 mAh Li-Ion | 1800 mAh Li-Ion | 5200 mAh Li-Ion | Li-ion | 5200 mAh Li-Ion |
| Run time | 180 mins. | 75 mins. | 180 mins. | 210 mins. | 200 mins. | 75 mins. | 75 mins. | 150 mins. | 60 mins. | 280 mins. |
| Recharge and Resume | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Map Saving | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Maps | 4 | 10 | 4 | 4 | 1 | N/A | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Dustbin capacity | 400 ml | 500 ml | 420 ml | 350 ml | 420 ml | 400 ml | 400 ml | 400 ml | 400 ml | 580 ml |
| Pad washing | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Clean water tank | 3 liters | N/A | N/A | 2.5 liters | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Dirty water tank | 2.5 liters | N/A | N/A | 2.4 liters | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Auto-empty capacity | 2.4-liters | 2.5-liters | 3-liters | 3-liters | 2.5-liters | 2.5-liters | 2.5-liters | 4.0-liters | 1.8-liters | 2.5-liters |
| Water tank capacity (inside robot) | 200 ml | N/A | 300 ml | N/A | 230 ml | N/A | N/A | 150 ml | N/A | Not Specified |
| Airflow | 13.39 CFM | 25 CFM | 13.91 CFM | 14.98 CFM | 23 CFM | 7.27 CFM | 8.2 CFM | 19.33 CFM | 18.87 CFM | 14.52 CFM |
| Warranty | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited | 1-year limited |
| Price |
Where can I buy these robots?
These robots are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.
- Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra on Amazon
- Roomba S9+ on Amazon
- Roborock S7+ (robot + dock) on Amazon
- Dreame L10S Ultra on Amazon
- Yeedi Vac Station on Amazon
- Roomba I3+ on Amazon
- Roomba I6+ on Amazon
- Roomba I7+ on Amazon
- Dreame Z10 Pro on Amazon
- Shark IQ Auto Empty on Amazon
- Ultenic T10 on Amazon
Disclaimer: I will earn a commission if you purchase through any of the links above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!
The Verdict: What is the Best Robot Vacuum that Empties Itself?
Declaring one winner would be selling you short since such a product doesn’t exist.
Like everything else, compromises will be made with auto-empty robot vacuum selection.
The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the best overall option since it’s the most autonomous option with pad-washing and self-emptying features.
And it’s one of the most proficient in both tasks.
If vacuuming performance is a high priority, the
But remember its flaws, such as the short run time and the lack of certain app features.
It’s also one of the more expensive auto-empty options available. I’d suggest waiting for sale season like Black Friday to get this at a good deal.
The Roborock S7 is a cheaper alternative to the S7 MaxV Ultra since it has an older model with fewer features.
It has the same VibraRise technology without obstacle avoidance and pad-washing features.
For shoppers looking for value, consider the Yeedi Vac Station. It’s one of the cheapest alternatives without sacrificing much with performance.
Cheaper options to consider for cleaning carpets include the Roomba I3+ and I6+, while the Dreame Z10 Pro and Ecovacs T8 offer the best obstacle-avoidance performance.
If you’ve read this far, thank you for going. I don’t have comments active on this blog, but leave them on my YouTube channel or contact me.
