You want a robot vacuum that actually reduces chores, not one that creates more work. Bagless self-emptying robots cut down how often you touch dust, and in 2026 the category balances stronger suction, better navigation, and longer runtimes than ever. This guide helps you pick a model that matches your home and priorities so you spend less time cleaning and more time on what matters.
Top Picks
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Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
🏆 Best Overall |
92/100 |
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🎨 Best 2-in-1 |
90/100 |
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🩺 Best for Allergies |
88/100 |
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⭐ Best Navigation |
86/100 |
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🔰 Best Beginner |
83/100 |
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🚀 Best Battery Life |
78/100 |
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💰 Best Value |
80/100 |
How We Selected
You need a robot that performs reliably in the real world, so we evaluated models on cleaning effectiveness, self-empty capacity and design, navigation accuracy, runtime, and ease of maintenance. We prioritized anti-tangle systems and filtration for pet owners and allergy sufferers, and we weighed smart features like mapping, app control, and voice assistants against practical concerns like repairability and long-term durability.
Price and value were considered so you can match a model to your budget and living situation.
Ecovacs N20
If you want a mostly hands-off cleaner for a pet household, the N20 Plus aims squarely at that need. You get strong 8000Pa suction, anti-tangle brush technology and a bagless self-empty station rated to hold about 45 days of debris, so routine cleaning becomes something you schedule rather than babysit.
The app gives mapping and controls, and the long runtime makes it capable across larger or multi-room homes. It isn’t perfect for every owner—some report reliability hiccups—but for long runs and heavy fur, it’s a practical, budget-friendly option you can rely on most days.
What People Say
You’ll find many owners praise the N20 Plus for handling pet hair, its long runtime, and the convenience of the bagless self-empty station. Reviewers often point out the anti-tangle design and app mapping as useful extras. At the same time, a notable share report occasional connectivity or reliability issues, so consistent performance depends on regular maintenance and firmware updates.
Overall Sentiment: Neutral

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Multiple Pets |
The anti-tangle brush and strong suction keep the unit running longer between cleanings, so fur doesn’t stop the run as often. |
|
Large Or Multi-Room Houses |
Up to 300 minutes of runtime plus app mapping lets the robot cover more ground without recharging, finishing larger jobs in fewer sessions. |
|
Busy Kitchens And Entryways |
The high suction and self-empty station let you run frequent clean cycles for crumbs and tracked-in dirt without having to empty the bin every day. |
Time Savings
The bagless self-empty station and long battery life drastically reduce how often you touch dust or interrupt runs, letting you schedule daily cleaning and forget about the bin for weeks.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
App Control & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Initial Setup |
Moderate |
|
Auto-Empty Docking |
Easy |
|
Brush & Filter Maintenance |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll need to clear the main brush and side brushes regularly, rinse the washable filter occasionally, and wipe the dock and sensors. Anti-tangle tech cuts down on daily snags, but periodic hair removal from the brush and inlet keeps performance steady.
What’s New
The N20 Plus combines high 8000Pa suction with anti-tangle brush engineering and a bagless 4‑liter self-empty station, marrying long runtime with reduced hands-on bin emptying—an uncommon combo at this level.
How It Handles Problems
This model addresses common pain points like persistent pet hair, frequent emptying, and short runtimes by delivering strong suction, anti-tangle design and a large-capacity dock. It can struggle when owners encounter firmware or hardware hiccups, so it solves day-to-day messes well but may require occasional troubleshooting.
Key Benefits
- Strong 8000Pa suction that lifts pet hair and debris
- Anti-Tangle brush reduces hair wrap and interruptions
- Bagless self-empty station with long ~45-day capacity
- Up to 300 minutes runtime for large or multi-room homes
Rating: 3.8/5 (total: 249+)
Yeedi C12
If you want a mostly hands-off cleaner that still packs solid suction, the Yeedi C12 Plus is worth a look. It pairs PureCyclone airflow with a ZeroTangle brush to keep hair moving into the base, and the long 300‑minute runtime plus a 7‑week bagless bin means fewer interruptions.
You can run it daily for routine upkeep or call on it after a weekend get-together when crumbs and tracked-in dirt show up. The mopping feature is helpful for light maintenance rather than deep scrubbing, so treat it as a finishing touch rather than a replacement for manual mopping.
What People Say
Customers frequently praise the C12 Plus for handling pet hair and running long cycles without constant attention, and many note the base holds a lot of debris. Positive comments also highlight the PureCyclone suction and mapping accuracy when the app works smoothly. On the flip side, a portion of owners report setup or Wi‑Fi hiccups and say the mop is useful for light touch‑ups but not heavy stains.
Overall Sentiment: Neutral

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Pets |
ZeroTangle design and strong suction keep fur moving into the dock so the robot spends less time getting stuck and more time cleaning. |
|
Daily Upkeep |
With a 7‑week bin and long runtime you can schedule short, frequent runs and avoid daily emptying or intervention. |
|
After Small Gatherings |
TrueMapping lets you target high-traffic zones so the robot can quickly pick up crumbs and surface dirt before guests arrive or after they leave. |
Time Savings
The long battery life and multi‑week bagless base mean you rarely need to stop a run to empty the bin or recharge, so the unit handles day‑to‑day messes with minimal hands‑on time.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
App Control & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Initial Setup |
Moderate |
|
Auto‑Empty Docking |
Easy |
|
Brush & Filter Care |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll still clean the main brush, side brush and washable filters periodically to keep suction optimal. Emptying the dock is infrequent, but you should wipe sensors and the mop plate after wet use and update firmware when available to reduce connectivity issues.
What’s New
The PureCyclone airflow and ZeroTangle brush focus on real-world hair management, and TrueMapping on a mid‑range model gives you smarter targeting than most competitors at this level.
How It Handles Problems
The C12 Plus addresses common pain points like pet hair and frequent emptying by combining anti‑tangle engineering with a large-capacity base. It handles everyday dirt reliably, though occasional app or connectivity hiccups can affect consistency for some users.
Key Benefits
- Long 300‑minute runtime for large coverage
- 7‑week bagless base reduces how often you empty
- ZeroTangle brush designed to minimize hair wrap
- TrueMapping and app controls for targeted cleaning
Rating: 3.6/5 (total: 165+)
Shark AV2501
If you want a high‑confidence, hands‑off cleaner for busy homes, this Shark model is built around reliability and allergen control. It uses LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean patterns to methodically cover rooms, while the XL HEPA bagless base stores up to 60 days of debris so you don’t fuss with the bin every week.
It handles carpets and hard floors well and is especially useful if you have shedding pets or want a machine that can be scheduled to maintain floors day after day. Expect strong routine performance, occasional software quirks, and a device that reduces the daily cleaning overhead for most households.
What People Say
Buyers commonly praise the Shark for dependable cleaning, strong suction on carpets, and the convenience of the large HEPA base that keeps allergens contained. Many mention the mapping and Matrix Clean pattern as reasons the robot misses fewer spots, while a recurring critique is occasional app or firmware frustrations that can affect day-to-day control.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Pets |
Self-cleaning brushroll and anti-hair wrap reduce clogs and keep the robot running through fur-heavy zones. |
|
Allergy Concerns |
XL HEPA containment holds captured dust and dander for long periods, lowering how often you interact with allergens. |
|
Whole‑Home Maintenance |
LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean patterns enable organized coverage across multiple rooms so you can schedule regular upkeep without babysitting. |
Time Savings
The combination of methodical navigation and a 60‑day containment base means you spend far less time emptying bins and can rely on regular automated cleaning to keep floors presentable with minimal intervention.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Setup & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Docking & Auto‑Empty |
Easy |
|
App Controls |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll perform occasional brush and filter cleaning, wipe sensors, and empty or replace the HEPA containment as needed. The large base reduces frequency, but scheduled checks and firmware updates help maintain consistent performance.
What’s New
Matrix Clean navigation multiplies passes in high‑soil areas while LiDAR mapping preserves efficiency and accuracy day or night; pairing that with XL HEPA containment emphasizes allergen control without adding routine chores.
How It Handles Problems
This model tackles common frustrations like missed spots, frequent emptying and hair wrap by combining precise mapping, extra passes in soiled zones, and a self-emptying HEPA base. Software hiccups are the main weakness, so occasional troubleshooting may be necessary to keep it running smoothly.
Key Benefits
- Methodical LiDAR mapping for consistent coverage
- XL HEPA bagless base captures allergens for up to 60 days
- Matrix Clean pattern increases pass frequency in dirty areas
- Built for pet hair with self-cleaning brushroll and anti-hair wrap
Rating: 4.0/5 (total: 17959+)
Shark AV2501S
You get a reliable, methodical cleaner that’s built for everyday use. The AV2501S uses LiDAR mapping and a Matrix Clean pattern to make multiple passes where floors need it most, while the self-cleaning brushroll helps with long hair and pet fur.
It handles carpets and hard floors consistently and is easy to schedule with the SharkClean app or voice assistants. For routine maintenance and keeping allergens contained, its HEPA bagless base is a practical advantage, making this a strong choice if you want a hands-off vacuum that actually covers ground thoughtfully.
What People Say
Owners often highlight how reliably this model cleans high-traffic areas and manages pet hair without constant unjamming. Many appreciate the mapping accuracy and the convenience of a self-emptying HEPA base, while common critiques point to occasional app or firmware quirks that can complicate remote control or advanced settings.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Shedding Pets |
The self-cleaning brushroll and anti-hair-wrap design keep the robot moving through fur-heavy zones with fewer interruptions. |
|
Allergy-Prone Households |
HEPA containment holds captured dust and dander in the base so you interact with fewer allergens when emptying or servicing the unit. |
|
Multi‑Room Cleaning |
LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean enable organized, repeatable coverage across rooms so scheduled runs maintain overall floor cleanliness without babysitting. |
Time Savings
Between methodical navigation and a 30‑day self-empty base, you spend far less time emptying bins and correcting missed spots, so the vacuum handles routine upkeep while you focus on other tasks.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Setup & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Docking & Auto-Empty |
Easy |
|
App Controls |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll periodically clear hair from brushes, replace or clean foam filters, and wipe sensors. The large base reduces how often you touch dust, but scheduled checks and occasional firmware updates help keep navigation and connectivity stable.
What’s New
Combining Matrix Clean multi-pass patterns with 360° LiDAR mapping and a self-cleaning brushroll focuses on cleaning thoroughness and hair management, while HEPA bagless containment targets allergen control without daily emptying.
How It Handles Problems
This model addresses missed spots and hair wrap by mapping precisely and running extra passes where needed, plus the self-cleaning brushroll minimizes manual intervention. The main weakness is intermittent software or app issues, so occasional troubleshooting may be required to maintain a seamless hands-off experience.
Key Benefits
- Precise LiDAR mapping for consistent coverage
- Matrix Clean grid pattern for deeper passes in soiled areas
- Self-cleaning brushroll reduces hair wrap
- HEPA bagless base helps contain allergens for up to 30 days
Rating: 4.0/5 (total: 23828+)
Shark AV2511
You get a versatile floor-care machine that combines targeted vacuuming with sonic mopping for everyday upkeep. The AV2511 runs organized cleaning passes using Matrix Clean and LiDAR mapping, so it repeatedly hits high-soil zones instead of wandering aimlessly.
It’s a solid choice for mixed-floor homes where you want carpets and hard floors maintained automatically, and the large HEPA bagless base keeps you away from dust and dander for weeks. Expect dependable routine performance and useful app controls, with the mop best suited to light touch-ups rather than heavy scrubbing.
What People Say
Owners frequently note consistent, methodical cleaning and reliable pet hair pickup, and many appreciate that the HEPA base reduces how often they handle dust. The mapping and Matrix Clean pattern are praised for missing fewer spots, while common gripes center on occasional app quirks or sensor errors that require troubleshooting over time.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Pets |
Self-cleaning brushroll and strong suction keep the unit moving through fur-heavy areas so you don’t have to untangle rollers nightly. |
|
Mixed Floor Plans |
LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean allow the robot to adapt passes for carpets and hard floors, maintaining both without manual mode changes. |
|
High‑Traffic Zones |
Precision passes and sonic mopping let you refresh entryways and kitchens quickly between deeper cleanings. |
Time Savings
With scheduled multi-pass cleaning and a 60‑day containment base, you significantly reduce emptying and oversight, letting the robot handle frequent touch-ups autonomously.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Setup & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Docking & Auto‑Empty |
Easy |
|
App Controls |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll clear hair from brushes occasionally, clean or replace filters as recommended, and wipe sensors and mop components after wet use. The large HEPA base reduces bin handling frequency but still benefits from periodic checks.
What’s New
Matrix Clean multi-pass logic paired with 360° LiDAR mapping and a self-cleaning brushroll focuses on consistent coverage and hair management, while HEPA bagless containment emphasizes allergen control with less hands-on work.
How It Handles Problems
This model addresses missed spots, hair wrap and frequent emptying by mapping precisely, running targeted extra passes, and using a self-cleaning brushroll plus XL HEPA containment. Software or sensor hiccups are the most likely sources of interruption, so occasional troubleshooting can be necessary to preserve a fully hands-off experience.
Key Benefits
- Matrix Clean grid pattern for thorough, repeat passes
- 360° LiDAR mapping for accurate room coverage
- XL bagless HEPA base captures allergens and reduces interaction
- Self-cleaning brushroll reduces hair wrap and interruptions
- 2‑in‑1 vacuum and sonic mop for routine surface maintenance
Rating: 4.0/5 (total: 23815+)
Shark Matrix Plus
You get a heavyweight floor-care system that vacuums and sonic mops in one pass, designed for mixed-floor homes that need regular, dependable maintenance. The Matrix Clean grid pattern and 360° LiDAR mapping let the robot make targeted multi-pass sweeps where dirt builds up, while CleanEdge and corner detection help pull debris from edges.
The self-cleaning brushroll and HEPA bagless base emphasize hair management and allergen containment, so you can schedule frequent runs without daily bin emptying. The sonic mop refreshes hard floors between deep cleans, making this a practical pick if you want an all-in-one machine for everyday upkeep and quick touch-ups.
What People Say
Owners commonly praise the Matrix Plus for its consistent cleaning across carpets and hard floors and for handling pet hair without frequent jams. Many call out the mapping accuracy and the convenience of a long-capacity HEPA base that keeps allergens contained.
There are occasional reports of software or sensor quirks, but most users find the routine cleaning and hair management strong enough to justify the model.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Pets |
Self-cleaning brushroll and anti-hair-wrap features keep rollers clear so the robot can run nightly without constant unjamming. |
|
Mixed Floor Plans |
LiDAR mapping and Matrix Clean let the machine adapt passes between carpeted and hard surfaces, maintaining both with minimal mode switching. |
|
Allergy Concerns |
HEPA bagless containment traps fine dust and dander in the base so you interact with fewer allergens when servicing the unit. |
Time Savings
Between methodical navigation, targeted multi-pass cleaning and a long‑capacity HEPA base, you spend far less time emptying bins and correcting missed spots, letting the robot maintain floors autonomously.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Initial Setup |
Moderate |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Docking & Auto‑Empty |
Easy |
|
Mop Plate Care |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll periodically clear hair from the brushroll, replace or clean HEPA filters per the manual, and rinse mop pads after wet use. The XL base reduces bin handling frequency but still benefits from routine checks and occasional firmware updates to keep mapping stable.
What’s New
Matrix Clean’s multi-angle passes paired with sonic mopping and CleanEdge corner focus make this model a rare blend of deep coverage and surface refresh in one machine, with HEPA bagless containment aimed at reducing allergen exposure.
How It Handles Problems
The Matrix Plus addresses common pain points like missed spots, hair wrap and frequent emptying by combining targeted multi-pass navigation, a self-cleaning brushroll and a large HEPA base. Its main limitations are occasional sensor or app hiccups and the mop’s suitability for light maintenance rather than heavy scrubbing.
Key Benefits
- Matrix Clean multi-pass pattern for thorough coverage
- 360° LiDAR mapping for repeatable, room-by-room navigation
- XL HEPA bagless base with long containment to reduce dust exposure
- Self-cleaning brushroll and CleanEdge tech for better hair and corner pickup
- Sonic mopping for routine surface refresh on hard floors
Rating: 4.0/5 (total: 7687+)
Shark Navigator
You get a straightforward, dependable cleaner that focuses on coverage and simplicity. SmartPath navigation maps your layout and runs in row-by-row passes, so the robot spends less time bumping around and more time actually cleaning. It’s a good fit for mixed-floor homes where you want consistent daily upkeep, and the self-empty base cuts down how often you need to interact with dust.
Use it for everyday maintenance, quick touch-ups after gatherings, or nightly runs in homes with shedding pets.
What People Say
Owners commonly mention reliable day-to-day cleaning and effective pet hair pickup, especially on hardwood and tile. Many appreciate that SmartPath avoids aimless wandering and that the auto-empty base reduces maintenance.
A minority report occasional sensor or longevity issues, so consistency can depend on regular upkeep.
Overall Sentiment: Positive

When It Helps Most
|
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
|
Homes With Pets |
Anti-hair wrap design and a self-cleaning brushroll keep the unit running through fur-heavy areas with fewer interruptions. |
|
Tight Or Under‑Table Areas |
Row-by-row SmartPath navigation and a slimmer footprint help the robot reach narrow zones like under dining tables and between chair legs. |
|
Routine Daily Upkeep |
Scheduled passes combined with the self-empty base mean the robot can maintain floors continuously without frequent bin emptying. |
Time Savings
SmartPath navigation plus an auto-empty base and straightforward scheduling drastically cut hands-on time, letting you rely on automated upkeep instead of daily spot cleaning.
Ease Of Use
|
Feature |
Ease Level |
|---|---|
|
Setup & Mapping |
Moderate |
|
Daily Operation |
Easy |
|
Docking & Auto‑Empty |
Easy |
|
App Controls |
Moderate |
Maintenance
You’ll clear the main and side brushes periodically, rinse or replace pre-motor filters as needed, and check sensors for build-up. The self-empty base reduces bin interaction, but the dock still benefits from occasional wiping and checks.
What’s New
SmartPath navigation applied to methodical row-by-row cleaning plus LiDAR-based obstacle avoidance brings mid-tier robots closer to the predictable coverage of higher-end models, while a self-cleaning brushroll targets hair-management pain points.
How It Handles Problems
This model tackles missed spots and hair wrap by using methodical routing and a self-cleaning roller; the auto-empty base addresses frequent bin emptying. The main limitations are occasional sensor or firmware quirks, so a little troubleshooting and regular maintenance can help preserve a hands-off experience.
Key Benefits
- SmartPath row-by-row navigation for methodical coverage
- Self-cleaning brushroll and anti-hair wrap for pet households
- Bagless self-empty base reduces bin handling frequency
- LiDAR mapping improves route efficiency and obstacle avoidance
Rating: 4.0/5 (total: 7687+)
FAQ
How Do Bagless Self‑Emptying Robot Vacuums Work
You get a robot that vacuums normally and returns to a docking station that transfers dirt into a built‑in bin rather than a disposable bag. The main benefits are reduced exposure to dust when you empty the base and longer intervals between manual bin emptying; capacities vary by model so some hold weeks of debris.
Expect some routine tasks—wiping sensors, checking the inlet and occasionally rinsing washable filters—but the core advantage is a much lower frequency of hands‑on maintenance.
Which Features Should You Prioritize
Focus on features that match your home and habits: strong suction and an anti‑tangle brush if you have pets, reliable mapping (LiDAR or good visual mapping) for consistent coverage in multi‑room homes, and a dock with enough capacity to actually reduce chores. Filtration matters if allergies are a concern, so look for HEPA‑grade containment, and check runtime and recharge‑and‑resume behavior if you have a large floorplan. App control and voice integration are nice conveniences but prioritize physical performance and hair management first.
What Maintenance And Troubleshooting Should You Expect
You’ll still do easy maintenance: clear the main and side brushes of hair, clean or rinse washable filters per the manual, and wipe sensors and the mop plate after wet cycles. If the robot loses Wi‑Fi or mapping gets confused, a quick firmware update, rescanning the home or moving the dock to a clearer spot usually restores normal behavior.
For best reliability, keep charging contacts clean, remove small loose cords or rugs before runs, and treat the base as low‑frequency maintenance rather than a completely hands‑off solution.
Customer Preferences
When choosing between the Ecovacs N20, Yeedi C12 and Shark AV2501 you typically prioritize practical performance: how well the robot handles pet hair and tangles, suction strength and run time, plus the size and hygiene of the self‑empty base. If you value long runtimes and anti‑tangle engineering you lean toward models like the Ecovacs or Yeedi, while buyers who put mapping accuracy and HEPA‑grade allergen containment first often favor the Shark for its precise navigation and large HEPA base.

Wrapping Up
Choose based on the problem you want solved. If you want the most complete set of features and the quiet confidence of advanced sonic mopping and mapping, the Shark Matrix is the safest pick.
If you need a two-in-one that vacuums and mops well without constant babysitting, consider the Shark AV2511. For households with allergies look for models like the Shark AV2501 that pair HEPA-grade containment with a large self-empty base.
If mapping accuracy is your priority the AV2501S offers precise LiDAR navigation. If you are new to robot vacuums, the Shark Navigator gives dependable cleaning with straightforward setup.
For the longest runtimes the Ecovacs N20 stands out with multi-hour battery life and a 45-day emptying capacity, and if budget is your main constraint the Yeedi C12 delivers solid basic performance for about $199.99. Match a model to your floor types, pet situation, and how hands-off you want maintenance to be and you will get measurable time back in your week.
| Product Name | Image | Rating | Battery Life | Cleaning Path Width | Special Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop |
![]() |
3.8/5 (249 reviews) | 300 minutes | 14.09 inches |
|
| Yeedi C12 Plus Robot Vacuum & Mop |
![]() |
3.6/5 (165 reviews) | 300 minutes | N/A |
|
| Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum with XL HEPA Self-Empty Base |
![]() |
4.0/5 (17,959 reviews) | 120 minutes | 5.67 inches |
|
| Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum |
![]() |
4.0/5 (23,828 reviews) | 120 minutes | N/A |
|
| Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum and Mop |
![]() |
4.0/5 (23,815 reviews) | 120 minutes | N/A |
|
| Shark Navigator Robot Vacuum + Self-Empty Base |
![]() |
4.0/5 (7,687 reviews) | 120 minutes | N/A |
|
| Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop |
![]() |
4.0/5 (7,687 reviews) | 110 minutes | 5.72 inches |
|
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