In 2019 iRobot released its first robot vacuum with a self-emptying bin. Since then, other manufacturers started producing robot vacuums that came with a self-emptying system.
A self-emptying base sets you free of emptying the dustbin for about a month depending on usage, pets, etc. So let’s talk about all models that come with such base.
I’m breaking it into two categories: premium models and the ones that are a bit more affordable.
Premium category:
- ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI / T8+
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+
- ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro Plus
- Roborock S7
- Roomba i3+
- Roomba i7+
- Roomba s9+
- Dreame Z10
- yeedi Vac Station
| Specs / Models | Roomba i3+ | Roomba i7+ | Roomba s9+ | ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI | ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+ | ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ | ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro Plus | Dreame Z10 Pro | Roborock S7 | yeedi Vac Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mapping technology | Gyroscope | Camera | Camera | Lidar | Lidar | Lidar | Camera | Lidar | Lidar | Camera |
| Object recognition technology | - | - | - | camera | 3D sensor | - | 3D sensor | 3D sensor | - | - |
| Battery life (min) | 75 | 75 | 120 | 200 | 150 | 100 | 100 | 150 | 150 | 200 |
| Battery size (mAh) | 1,800 | 1,800 | 3,300 | 5,200 | 5,200 | 3,200 | 3,200 | 5,200 | 5,200 | 5,200 |
| Suction power (Pa) | 1,700 | 1,700 | 2,200 | 1,500 | 1,500 | 2,300 | 2,600 | 4,000 | 2,500 | 3,000 |
| Mopping feature | n | n | n | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Water tank size (ml) | - | - | - | 250 | 240 | 240 | 240 | N/A | 300 | 300 |
| Water flow control | - | - | - | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| No-Mop zones | - | - | - | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Object recognition | n | n | n | y | y | n | y | y | n | n |
| Barrier-cross height | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm |
| Full bin sensor | y | y | y | n | n | n | n | n | n | n |
| HEPA filter | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Amazon Alexa/Google Home support | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| No-Go zones | n | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Zoned cleaning | n | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Room cleaning | n | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y |
| Multiple maps management | n | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | y | n |
| Carpet boost | n | n | n | y | y | y | n | n | y | y |
| Dirt detect | y | y | y | n | n | n | n | n | n | n |
| Robot’s height | 3.62 in / 9.2 cm | 3.62 in / 9.2 cm | 3.62 in / 9.2 cm | 3.66 in / 9.3 cm | 3.66 in / 9.3 cm | 3.66 in / 9.3 cm | 3.66 in / 9.3 cm | 3.86 in / 9.8 cm | 3.80 in / 9.65 | N/A |
| Price | $399.0 | $799.99 | $789.0 | $499.99 | $549.99 | $649.99 | $649.99 | $408.42 | $649.99 | $499.98 |
Mid-Range
- Lydsto R1
- Neabot Q11
- Ultenic T10
| Specs / Models | Neabot NoMo Q11 | Lydsto R1 | Ultenic T10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mapping technology | Lidar | Lidar | Lidar |
| Object recognition | y | n | n |
| Battery life (min) | N/A | 120 | 150 |
| Battery size (mAh) | 5,200 | 1,800 | 3,300 |
| Suction power (Pa) | 1,700 | 1,700 | 2,200 |
| Mopping feature | y | y | y |
| Water tank size (ml) | 300 | 250 | 300 |
| Water flow control | y | y | y |
| No-Mop zones | y | y | y |
| Noise level (dB) | 68 | 68 | 68 |
| Barrier-cross height | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm | 0.79 in / 20 mm |
| HEPA filter | y | y | y |
| No-Go zones | y | y | y |
| Zoned cleaning | y | y | y |
| Room cleaning | y | y | y |
| Multiple maps management | y | y | y |
| Carpet boost | y | y | y |
| Robot’s height | 3.43 in / 8.7 cm | 4.06 in / 10.3 cm | 3.86 in / 9.8 cm |
| Price | $499.99 | $635.72 | $499.0 |
Why buying a robot with a self-emptying base and what it is
The self-emptying bin helps you to forget about emptying the dustbin for about a month depending on usage. The bases are different tho one thing that is common for all: the base is loud when sucking up the dustbin’s content. Some systems work better removing everything from the dustbin, the others are not as good.
Most of the systems are bagged which means you have to buy a bag every once in awhile, some of them are baggless tho. A bagged system is better as the bag seals itself when you pull it off so you don’t have to breath it in. The baggless system is better as you don’t have to buy bags.
The self-emptying base is a great option for those who have pets so you can schedule the robot to work a few times a week without worrying about dumping the dustbin. Hovewer, keep in mind, you’d still need to clean the brushroll off tangled hair.
Issues with the self-emptying bin
Most reviewers put the self-emptying bases under tough conditions by stuffing a dustbin with a lot of debris which rarely happens with most of us on a daily basis. Hovewer, some bins has issues with pet hair clogs. If you have a few pets and run the robot once a week, it might not be able to suck up the dustbin content. Tho the newer models do not have such issue.
The premium models deal with a full dustbin when the cheaper robots can’t hangle it especially with heavier debris like rice, oats, or sand. Worth mentioning, most of the times, you wouldn’t have such issue if you run the robot regularly depending on your conditions.
So far the best self-emptying system is found in iRobot. The ECOVACS and Roborock bases are equally good. The bases from the second category are still good for a day-to-day usage but not useful if you need to deal with lots of heavy debris.
Things they have in common
All of these robots have the featured you’d expect to see in a modern robot such as mapping, room cleaning, no-go and no-mop zones, zoned cleaning, and scheduling. All of them cover the whole place without missing spots.
Let’s talk about Mapping
Most of the included models navigate by Lidar. The Lidar scans the cleaning area creating the map in rel-time so you can see the robot’s movements in the app. The map is being created after the first run.
The Roomba i7+ and s9+ use a camera that takes a lot of snaps and then creates a map of the area. The map is not complete after the first run. You would need to run the robot a few more times until the map is done. Those two can be sent to clean a specific room as well as have an ability of setting no-go zones. The Roomba i3+ is navigated by a gyroscope and does not have those options. It also creates a map of the cleaning area but does not save it and has to build one every time it starts.
Mapping helps a robot to know its location and where has it been. It helps to navigate efficiently with no spots missed.
Object recognition technology
On top of Lidar, some of the robots in the list have a sensor or a front camera that recognize small objects the Lidar can not see. The ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI has a front camera that “sees” small objects and when avoids them, set an icon which you can see on the map. It also allows streaming a live video.
Other robots use 3D sensor technology to recognize and avoid objects. Those are the ECOVACS DEEBOT T8, N8+/Pro Plus, and Neabot Q11. Those just avoid small things, you can’t see them on the map.
I didn’t notice a huge difference between a camera and 3D sensor in terms of recognizing and avoidance, both do the job about the same. Tho with a 3D sensor, you can’t see the avoided objects location.
Roomba: things the models have in common
- Brushless rollers
- Dirt detect
- Full bin indicator
- Mapping
The double rotating rollers design is the iRobot’s thing. Because of that, the robot is able to agitate better providing a great job on carpet. The rollers are britsless which means they are tangle-free and ideal for pet and long human hair. The Roomba s9+ rollers are 30% wider so they are capable of covering a bigger area.
The Roomba robots have a sensor that recognizes big messes. Once it does, the robot boosts suction to provide a better job on those spots.
A full bin indicator is ideal when the robot comes with a self-emptying bin. Once the dustbin gets full, the robot returns to the base, empties itself, and returns to the job. The others do not have such a sensor so they either get to the base after some time of cleaning or once they finish the job. So the Roomba is great if it deals with big messes, once the dustbin gets full, the robot returns to the base to empty itself.
The Roomba i3+ relies on a gyroscope while the other two has a built-in camera.
What is the difference between the Roomba i3+ and i4+? How about the Roomba i7+, i6+ vs. i8+?
Those models are the same but made for different markets and some come with a bigger accessory kit. The i4+ also has a slightly different Lid shade and a slightly bigger battery (up to 1). The Roomba i6+ is an Amazon variant and has the smallest accessory kit. The i7+ is a standard retail option. The i8+ has the most accessories, a bigger battery, and is only on sale at Costco.
Roomba i3+/i4+: the cheapest Roomba with a self-emptying system
Roomba i3+
A gyroscope-guided with a self-emptying bin
This is the first and most budget robot vacuum with a self-emptying bin from iRobot. Unlike the i7+ and s9+ that save a created map, have no-go zones, and room cleaning, the i3+ lacks those features. Cleaning performance is the same as in the i7+ but the i3+ does not have a camera for a more accurate map and lacks smart features.
The app is basic, you can not interact with the map, change suction power, etc. But the Roomba i3+ cleans very well and is ideal for those who are not looking for smart features and want the robot to last longer. Read my review of the Roomba i3+ and watch video review with cleaning tests below.
Roomba i3 video review
Roomba i6+/i7+/i8+: Best value
iRobot also has released the Roomba i8+ which looks the same as the i7+ only has a bigger battery and lasts 20% longer. The i8+ also be selling in certain stores only. The Roomba i6+ has the same features as the i7+ but lacks extra accessories. The Roomba i8+ would last up to 90 minutes compared to the i7+ that can do the same for about 75 minutes.
The Roomba i7+ (and the others) have no-go zones, zoned cleaning, and room cleaning. It also saves up to 10 maps. The specifications of the i7+ and i3+ are the same, only the i7+ has smart features and a built-in camera.
Because of short battery life, the i7+ is not suitable for big homes.
Roomba s9+: Best for a clean layout
The Roomba s9+ is the only model in the lineup that has a D-shaped body. It supposed to make cleaning in corners and edges better. Aside from the body’s shape, the s9+ has upgraded brushless rollers, stronger suction, and a bigger battery.
The s9+ does a better job at resisting hair tangling than any other Roomba robot. It also has the most powerful motor.
The Roomba s9+ is better for homes with carpets mostly. Because of its shape, the s9+ struggles maneuvering in tight spaces, and I would not recommend it for cluttered homes.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+ vs. T8 AIVI vs. N8+ vs. N8 Pro Plus
The ECOVACS has released a few models with an auto-empty dock. They look very similar so let’s see what is the difference between them all.
Firstly the models without the “+” are the same robots as the ones with “+” (DEEBOT T8 and T8+) only do not include a self-emptying base yet are compatible with one. The base can be bought separately.
- The ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+ AIVI is the oldest model in the lineup and the only with a built-in front camera. It has a big battery but is not as powerful as the “N” lineup.
- The ECOVACS DEEBOT T8+ uses a 3D sensor to recognize and avoid objects. Other than that, it has the same specs as the T8 AIVI but lacks of a camera does not allow the T8+ to stream live-videos.
- The ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ has stronger suction but a smaller battery. It does not have object avoidance technology but includes a self-emptying base in the box.
- The ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro Plus suction is stronger but it has the same battery as the N8+. It also is equipped with a sensor to recognize small objects.
All of them have the same features except for the T8 AIVI that shows icons of avoided objects and can do live-videos. Multi-mapping, no-go/no-nop zones, zoned cleaning and room cleaning are common for all these models. All of them have mopping attachments and are guided by a Lidar.
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI: Best overall
ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI
The longer-lasting one
The ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI is the only robot in the lineup with a front camera. It shows icons of the avoided objects on the map, others don’t. It is also the only that can stream live-videos as it cleans.
The robot has 1,500 Pa suction yet a big battery and can be used in big and multi-level houses.
The ECOVACS DEEBOT T8 AIVI has a built-in front camera for object revognition and streams live-video as it cleans
ECOVACS T8 AIVI vs. T8+
The AIVI version yses a camera to avoid objects when the T8 has a dToF sensor. This technology is cheaper and this is the reason the T8 costing less. The T8 AIVI is still a premium model.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro Plus: Best
The ECOVACS DEEBOT N8 Pro Plus does not las as long as the T8 AIVI but has stronger suction and comes with a self-emptying base included. It uses a sensor to recognize objects and because of smaller battery, it costs less than the T8 AIVI. Tho the N8 Pro Plus is a good value.
ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ vs. N8 Pro Plus
The N8+ version lacks a sensor and delivers 2,300 Pa suction when the N8 Pro Plus is equipped with one and has stronger suction (2,600 Pa).
The difference between the “T” and “N” series
The DEEBOT T8 and T8 AIVI has a bigger battery (up to 200 minutes run) but not as powerful (1,500 Pa). The bigger battery also takes longer to charge compared to the “N” series.
The N8+ is the only that does not have a sensor to recognize objects. The N8+ and N8 Pro Plus do not last as long (up to 100 minutes run) but are more powerful (2,300 and 2,600 Pa) than the “T” series.
Dreame Z10 Pro
Dreame Z10 Pro
The best in its price range
The Z10 Pro is the first self-emptying model from Dreame. It is guided by Lidar and also has a sensor to recognize and avoid small objects.
With strong suction and efficient navigation, the Dreame Z10 Pro is suitable for all kinds of surfaces as well as big houses. It costs less than the DEEBOT T8/T8 AIVI and about the same as the N series but is more powerful and has a large battery.
Yeedi Vac Station
yeedi vac station
Best hybrid camera-guided
The yeedi vac station is the best hybrid camera-guided robot with a self-emptying station. It performs amazingly well and does a great job as a mop. Navigation is not as efficient as the Lidar-guided robots but coverage is 100% so it it is something personal, whether you want Lidar or a camera.
The yeedi has all the features of other premium robots but needs a few cleaning cycles to complete the map. It also requires light to work but relies on a gyroscope in the dark which means navigation might not be as efficient but it still uses a back-and-forth pattern.
The yeedi vac station is the best camera-based hybrid robot with a self-emptying base
The reason why the yeedi is in the previum category is its powerful auto-empty dock that is on par with a Roomba and ECOVACS bases. The cleaning performance of the yeedi is also one of the best I happened to see.
Roborock S7
Roborock S7
Best with mop
The Roborock S7 is the first model from the company that supports a self-emptying base. The base is newely-released and not tested much but what is known for now is its unique design and great auto-emptying performance. The Roborock S7 is not like the others as it has a mopping module that is being lifted up when it detects carpet. With this technology the robot vacuums carpets and mops the hard floors which is what many users wanted.
It is also one of a few models on the market to come with a bristles roller which causes such good pick up and deep clean performance.
The Roborock S7 is the only robot on the market that lifts the mopping module on carpet
The robot is suitable for any kinds of surface, shows the best cleaning results in my testing and has a large battery so it is suitable for big houses.
Mid-Level Self-Emptying Robot Vacuums
As I said before, the mid-level self-emptying robots come with the base but the base is not as strong. Normally it can’t suck up big amount of heavy debris but is enough for a day-to-day use in most cases. The robots are not performing as well on carpets as the most expensive ones but still good for homes with hard floors and occasional carpets.
The following models are great if you are not willing to pay more but want one with a self-emptying bin. There are many similar robots on the market. I included only the ones I have tested.
Neabot Q11
The Neabot Q11 has the most unique self-emptying base on the market. Because of the width, the robot parks deep into the base preventing the floors from damage caused by the mopping cloth. But this is also the reason of why attaching the mopping pad is not as convenient as you have to pull out the robot first.
The first robot vacuum with a hidden Lidar that supports a self-emptying base. On top of that the only one in the Mid-level list with object recognition technology. If you want a short robot to fit under furniture but not guided by a camera, the Q11 is the one.
Yes, the base does not handle a big amount of heavy debris but most of us normally don’t have to deal with so many. In my place, it didn’t have issues. But you would not find another robot with a hidden Lidar and a self-emptying base so the Q11 is a unique one.
The Neabot also has another model, the NoMo N11 that has a different style self-emptying bin, standard Lidar, and no object recognition.
Lydsto R1
The Lydsto is not as good as a mop as the others in this category but does the job as a vacuum. Yet I would not recommend it for homes with mostly carpeted surface. It comes with the biggest amount of accessories I have ever seen. 6 disposable bags and 20 disposable wipes for mopping.
If you are looking for something budget, the Lydsto R1 would be a good buy.
Ultenic T10
The Ultenic T10 is one of those mid-level models to come with an auto-empty station. It doesn’t have a big accessory kit as the Lysdto but it does a much better job as a mop. In my testing it struggles the most with sand on carpet but did a much better job with anything else. So I wouldn’t recommend it for homes covered with carpets.
On hard floor, the robot performs well above average, especially I liked the mopping performance.
There are also other models with a self-emptying base on the market but the bases are not as powerful. Also I didn’t test the others so I didn’t include them in the list. Those are:
- Proscenic M7 Pro
- HONITURE Q6
- Shark IQ R101AE
- Neabot NoMo N11
- Roidme EVE Plus
- Coredy L900X
- Kyvol S31
- Uoni V980Plus