The models in detail
This comparison is for anyone who wants a robot vacuum that empties its own bin into a base, so the floor stays clean for weeks without a trip to the trash. We chose six self-emptying models from Amazon.com product listings checked on October 10, 2026, covering bagged and bagless bases from three brands. The page compares what each listing states about the base, navigation and suction; no robot was run in a home for this guide.
1 · Our pick
iRobot Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty
Robot vacuum4,4/5 from 49377 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
On a self-emptying page, the base is what you live with, and this one is rated to hold up to 75 days of debris in a bag, tied for the longest interval here with the other two Roomba AutoEmpty models. iRobot says that bag traps 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns. Compared with the plain Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty, this version adds a microfiber mop pad with a micro-pump, and the app lets you pick vacuum only, mop only or combo runs, with SmartScrub claimed at 2x deeper scrubbing. ClearView LiDAR maps the home, and the robot detects carpet and avoids it while mopping. What you give up next to the roborock Q7 M5+ is a published suction figure: iRobot only says 70X more power-lifting suction, with no Pa number and no runtime. The pad does not lift, the dock does not wash it, and bags are a recurring purchase. It has the highest average on this page, 4.4 out of 5 from 49,377 ratings.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Empties into a bagged AutoEmpty dock for up to 75 days; the bag traps 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns, according to the listing.
- ClearView LiDAR maps the home, and the robot detects and avoids carpets while mopping.
- Vac only, mop only or combo modes, with adjustable passes, suction and mopping solution in the app.
- SmartScrub adds 2x deeper scrubbing; the box includes 1 extra mop pad.
Cons
- Dock bags are a consumable to replace.
- The pad does not lift and the dock does not wash it.
- Suction is given only as 70X more power-lifting suction, with no Pa figure or runtime.
Best for: Budget buyers who want LiDAR mapping, light mopping and a self-emptying dock in one box.
Skip it if you want a mop that lifts over rugs, a self-washing station or a bagless dock.
Other specs
- MoppingMicrofiber mop pad with micro-pump
- Connectivity2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Roomba Home app, voice assistants
2 · Bagless, two-month capacity
Shark AI Ultra AV2511AE
Robot vacuum4/5 from 41687 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
If the idea of buying dock bags forever puts you off, the AI Ultra is the model to look at. Its bagless self-empty base is rated to hold up to 60 days of debris, short of the 75 days of the Roomba docks but double the 30 days of the Shark Navigator. You empty an open bin rather than a sealed bag, which costs nothing but can puff dust. The robot uses 360° LiDAR with object detection, works in the dark, and its Matrix Clean mode makes multiple passes in a grid pattern. It is one of only two models here with a stated runtime, up to 90 minutes before it recharges and resumes, against 150min max for the roborock. There is no mop, no Pa figure, and only 1 side brush and 1 filter in the box. Some text on the product page describes a Shark mopping robot; this model only vacuums. Its 4 out of 5 average across 41,687 ratings looks shared with another variant.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- The bagless self-empty base holds up to 60 days of debris with no bags to buy, according to the listing.
- 360° LiDAR maps the home, detects objects and works in the dark.
- Matrix Clean takes multiple passes in a grid pattern, and the self-cleaning brushroll is meant to prevent hair wrap.
- Up to 90 minutes of runtime, then it recharges and resumes where it left off.
Cons
- Suction power in Pa is not given.
- Vacuum only: no mopping on this model.
- Only 1 side brush and 1 filter come in the box.
Best for: Pet owners with mixed carpet and hard floors who want a LiDAR vacuum with a bagless self-empty base.
Skip it if you also want mopping or need a published suction figure to compare models.
Other specs
- MoppingNo mopping
- RuntimeUp to 90 min (recharge and resume)
- Anti-tangleSelf-cleaning brushroll
- ConnectivitySharkClean app, Alexa, Google Assistant
3 · Small spaces, bagless base
Shark Navigator AV2110S
Robot vacuum4/5 from 36550 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
The Navigator is the most basic self-emptying robot on this page, and its base reflects that. It is bagless, so there are no disposal bags to buy, but it holds only up to 30 days of debris, less than half the 75 days of the Roomba docks and the 7-9 weeks roborock claims for the Q7 M5+. That still beats emptying a robot bin by hand, and it may be enough in a smaller apartment. SmartPath LiDAR cleans row by row, which Shark claims gives up to 1.5x more coverage than the Shark ION, and the brushroll is self-cleaning with anti-hair wrap. It recharges and resumes, and the SharkClean app covers schedules, no-go zones and voice control through Alexa or Google. The listing gives no suction in Pa and no runtime, there is no mop, and only 1 side brush is included. Its 36,550 ratings at 4 out of 5 match another Shark model exactly, so they are probably pooled.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- The bagless self-empty base holds up to 30 days of debris with no disposal bags to buy, according to the listing.
- SmartPath LiDAR cleans row by row, claimed at up to 1.5x more coverage than the Shark ION.
- Self-cleaning brushroll with anti-hair wrap for pet hair and long hair.
- Recharges and resumes, with schedules, no-go zones and voice control through the SharkClean app.
Cons
- Suction power in Pa and runtime are not given.
- The base holds only 30 days of debris, and just 1 side brush comes in the box.
- Vacuum only: no mopping.
Best for: Pet owners who want an affordable LiDAR vacuum with a bagless self-empty base.
Skip it if you want mopping or a base that holds more than 30 days of debris.
Other specs
- MoppingNone (vacuum only)
- Anti-tangleSelf-cleaning brushroll with anti-hair wrap
- ConnectivitySharkClean app, Amazon Alexa, Google Voice
4 · Strongest listed suction
roborock Q7 M5+
Robot vacuum4/5 from 25420 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
For buyers who want numbers, the Q7 M5+ is the most complete listing on this page. Suction is given as 10000Pa, while the Roomba and Shark robots here publish no Pa figure at all. The RockDock Plus empties into a 2.7L sealed dust bag that roborock rates for up to 7-9 weeks, roughly in line with the 75 days of the Roomba docks. Runtime is listed at 150min max on the brand chart, the longest stated here, ahead of the 90 minutes of the Shark AI Ultra. PreciSense LiDAR supports multi-level mapping, and the robot also mops with 3 water flow settings. The JawScrapers main brush and a 0% hair-tangling side brush are meant to resist hair wrap. The brand comparison chart also shows what is missing: no mop lifting and no obstacle avoidance, so clear cords and socks before a run. Dust bags are a consumable, and the app works on 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only. It averages 4 out of 5 across 25,420 ratings.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- 10000Pa HyperForce suction for carpets and edges, according to the listing.
- The RockDock Plus empties into a 2.7L sealed dust bag that lasts up to 7-9 weeks.
- JawScrapers main brush and a 0% hair-tangling side brush resist pet hair wrap.
- Vacuums and mops in one go, with 3 water flow settings, no-go zones and schedules in the app.
Cons
- No mop lifting and no obstacle avoidance, per the brand comparison chart.
- Dust bags are a consumable to replace.
- The app supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.
Best for: Pet owners on a budget who want strong suction, LiDAR mapping and a self-emptying dock with basic mopping.
Skip it if you have many rugs and need the mop to lift, or want camera-based obstacle avoidance.
Other specs
- MoppingElectronic mopping, 3 water flow settings
- Runtime150min max (brand chart)
- Anti-tangleJawScrapers main brush + 0% hair-tangling side brush
- Connectivity2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Roborock app, Alexa, Google Home (brand chart)
5 · Vacuum only, bagged dock
iRobot Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty
Robot vacuum4/5 from 19252 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
This is our pick without the mop pad, which is a sensible trade if your floors are mostly carpet or you mop by hand. The AutoEmpty dock holds debris in a bag for up to 75 days, the same interval as the 105 Combo and 105X Combo, and the bag is said to trap 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns. The 3-Stage Cleaning system uses a Multi-Surface brush and an Edge-Sweeping brush, claimed at 70X more suction than Roomba 600 series robots. ClearView LiDAR handles mapping, keep-out zones and room targeting in the Roomba Home app, and spot cleaning repeats one area for up to 5 minutes. Part of the product page talks about vacuuming and mopping, but that text is generic; this model only vacuums. As with every Roomba here, there is no Pa figure or runtime, the dock bags must be rebought, and it works only on a 2.4 GHz network. It averages 4 out of 5 across 19,252 ratings.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- Empties into a bagged AutoEmpty dock for up to 75 days; the bag traps 99% of allergens as small as 0.7 microns, according to the listing.
- 3-Stage Cleaning with a Multi-Surface brush and an Edge-Sweeping brush, claimed at 70X more suction than Roomba 600 series robots.
- ClearView LiDAR mapping, keep-out zones and room targeting in the Roomba Home app.
- Spot cleaning repeats one area for up to 5 minutes.
Cons
- Vacuum only: no mopping.
- Dock bags are a consumable, and no Pa figure or runtime is given.
- Works only on a 2.4 GHz network.
Best for: Busy households that want a LiDAR Roomba that empties itself and needs little attention.
Skip it if you also want mopping or prefer a bagless self-empty base.
Other specs
- MoppingNone (vacuum only)
- Connectivity2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, Roomba Home app, Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant
6 · Light mopping, newer variant
iRobot Roomba 105X Combo + AutoEmpty
Robot vacuum4,1/5 from 13308 Amazon customer ratings (as of October 10, 2026)
On paper, the 105X Combo + AutoEmpty is very close to our pick. The AutoEmpty dock collects debris in a sealed bag for up to 75 days, ClearView LiDAR maps the home with keep-out zones and room targeting, and the robot vacuums and mops in one run, with a SmartScrub micro-pump keeping the microfiber pad evenly moist. It detects carpet and skips it while mopping, so rugs are left out of that pass rather than vacuumed in it. Suction is given as 70x power-lifting suction versus the Roomba 600 series, with no Pa figure, and no runtime is stated. The dock does not wash or dry the pad, and bags are a consumable. One point to verify: iRobot's own comparison table links the 105X Combo + AutoEmpty to a different listing, so confirm the product page shows the model and dock you expect. Its 4.1 out of 5 average from 13,308 ratings sits below the 4.4 of the 105 Combo.
Pros, cons and specs
Pros
- The AutoEmpty dock collects debris in a sealed bag for up to 75 days.
- Vacuums and mops in one run, with a micro-pump keeping the microfiber pad evenly moist (SmartScrub).
- ClearView LiDAR mapping with keep-out zones and room targeting in the app.
- Detects carpet and skips it while mopping, with no mode switching required.
Cons
- The mop pad is not lifted: rugs are skipped while mopping rather than vacuumed in the same pass.
- The dock does not wash or dry the pad, and replacement bags are a consumable.
- No Pa suction figure or runtime is stated.
Best for: Budget shoppers who want a self-emptying Roomba with light mopping.
Skip it if you want a dock that washes the mop or a robot that mops and vacuums rugs in one run.
Other specs
- MoppingMicrofiber pad with SmartScrub micro-pump
- Mop liftingNo lift; detects carpet and avoids mopping it
- ConnectivityRoomba Home app, Alexa, Siri, Google Assistant; 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
How to choose a self-emptying robot vacuum
Check the base capacity in days
The number of days a base can go between emptyings is the most useful spec on a self-emptying robot. Manufacturers quote it as an estimate based on their own assumptions, so treat it as a ceiling. On this page, the three Roomba AutoEmpty docks claim up to 75 days, the roborock RockDock Plus up to 7-9 weeks, the Shark AI Ultra up to 60 days and the Shark Navigator up to 30 days. Larger homes, pets and daily schedules all fill a base faster than the box suggests.
Bagged docks trade cost for cleanliness
A bagged dock is the cleaner option to empty, but it adds a recurring cost. When the bag is full, you lift it out and throw it away with the dust sealed inside. The Roomba docks and the roborock RockDock Plus all use bags, and roborock lists a 2.7L sealed bag. Bagless bases, like those on both Shark robots, never need a purchase, yet you tip an open bin into the trash. If anyone in the home dislikes dust clouds, lean toward a bagged dock and budget for refills.
Navigation decides whether it finishes the job
A robot that empties itself still needs good navigation to clean the whole floor between emptyings. Every model here uses LiDAR mapping, which lets it clean in rows and resume after recharging. The differences sit in obstacle handling: the Shark AI Ultra lists object detection and works in the dark, the Roomba models steer with ClearView LiDAR, and the roborock Q7 M5+ has no obstacle avoidance according to its brand chart. If your floor often has cables or toys on it, favor a model that lists object detection.
Suction claims are not comparable
Do not choose on suction alone, because only one listing here gives a figure you can compare. The roborock Q7 M5+ lists 10000Pa. iRobot describes its Roombas as having 70X more suction than Roomba 600 series robots, which compares them with older models rather than with other brands. Shark gives no suction figure for either robot. For a self-emptying vacuum, the base, navigation and brush design will shape your daily experience at least as much as a single power claim on the box.
Decide whether you need a mop
A combo robot is worth it only if you have enough hard floor to mop and accept rinsing the pad yourself. None of the docks on this page washes or dries a mop pad. The Roomba 105 Combo and 105X Combo use a microfiber pad and avoid carpet while mopping, and the roborock Q7 M5+ offers 3 water flow settings but no mop lifting. The Shark AI Ultra, Shark Navigator and Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty only vacuum. If you want a dock that also cleans the mop, look at our mop combo guide.
Plan for consumables and Wi-Fi
Factor in the parts you will keep buying and the network the robot needs before you order. Bagged docks need replacement bags, and side brushes and filters wear out on every robot; the Shark AI Ultra ships with only 1 side brush and 1 filter. Several models, including the Roomba 105 Vac + AutoEmpty and the roborock Q7 M5+, work only on 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. If your router combines bands under one name, setup can take a few extra steps, so check your router settings first.
Skip it if…
- you want a dock that also washes and dries the mop, since none of these bases does.
- you refuse to buy replacement bags, which leaves only the two bagless Shark bases.
- your home network runs only on 5 GHz Wi-Fi, because several of these robots need a 2.4 GHz connection.
- you need published suction and runtime figures for every model before buying, as most of these listings omit them.
- your floors are often covered in cords and small objects, and you are looking at the roborock Q7 M5+, which has no obstacle avoidance.
FAQ
What is the best self emptying robot vacuum?
The iRobot Roomba 105 Combo + AutoEmpty is our pick on this page. Its bagged dock is rated for up to 75 days of debris, it maps rooms with ClearView LiDAR, adds a light mop pad and has the highest average rating of the six, 4.4 out of 5. If you would rather avoid dock bags, the bagless Shark AI Ultra is the alternative.
How long can a self-emptying robovac go without emptying?
It depends on the base and your home. Manufacturers on this page claim up to 75 days for the Roomba AutoEmpty docks, up to 7-9 weeks for the roborock RockDock Plus, up to 60 days for the Shark AI Ultra and up to 30 days for the Shark Navigator. Pets, larger floors and daily runs will shorten those estimates.
Do self-emptying robot vacuums need bags?
Some do and some do not. The three Roomba AutoEmpty docks and the roborock RockDock Plus use disposable bags that seal debris inside, which you replace when full. The Shark AI Ultra and Shark Navigator use bagless bases, so there is nothing to buy, but you empty an open bin into the trash.
Is a self emptying robot vacuum worth the extra cost?
For most people, yes. A robot without a base needs its small bin emptied after nearly every run, which quickly becomes a chore. A self-emptying base lets the robot run on schedule for weeks. The trade-offs are a bulkier dock, more noise when it empties, and possibly bags to rebuy.
Are self-emptying robot vacuums loud when they empty?
The emptying cycle is usually louder than the robot itself, because the base uses its own strong fan to pull debris out of the bin. None of the listings on this page gives a noise figure for the base. If noise matters, schedule runs for when nobody is home, so the emptying happens while the house is empty.
Can a self-emptying robot vacuum also mop?
Yes, several can. On this page, the Roomba 105 Combo, Roomba 105X Combo and roborock Q7 M5+ vacuum and mop. Their docks empty the dust bin but do not wash or dry the mop pad, so you rinse it yourself. For a station that also cleans the mop, see our mop combo comparison.
Ilias, Robocompas
Models are picked from the product listings on Amazon.com, recorded and dated. Missing data is flagged instead of guessed, and no hands-on test is described unless it actually happened.
Our method