We’ve Independently Tested 150+ Robot Vacuums
Welcome to Vacuum Wars’ pick for the best robot vacuums above $1,600 — the most advanced and innovative models available today. Because we buy every robot vacuum we test, our picks reflect real performance data, not marketing claims. With more than 150 robot vacuums tested in our lab, we’ve watched this price tier evolve into the proving ground for brand-new technologies: robotic arms, multi-mop switching docks, and fully automated stations that clean, refill, and maintain themselves. These flagship machines represent the cutting edge of what robot vacuums can do — and the rest of the industry is watching. For a look behind the scenes, see: Why You Can Trust Vacuum Wars Robot Vacuum Reviews.
Note: Our rankings are updated frequently and can change daily based on several factors. These can include fluctuations in updated review scores, adjustments to our ranking algorithm, and whether a product has been discontinued. This ensures that our list remains as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
Best Robot Vacuum $1,600 and Above: Dreame Matrix10 Ultra
The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum/mop combo features a multi-mop switching dock with a three-solution compartment, producing up to 30,000 Pa of Vormax™ suction and using HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush rollers. It employs OmniSight™ navigation to detect over 240 object types and a ProLeap™ system to overcome obstacles up to 80mm high, while its Dual Flex Arm technology extends side brush and mop into corners. The mop pads self-clean at 212 °F with 20 spray nozzles, and lift 10.5mm on carpets to avoid moisture. Its multifunctional PowerDock™ supports auto-emptying a 3.2 L dust bag for up to 100 days, auto water refill, auto solution refill, mop pad and dust bag drying. It also includes voice control options (“OK Dreame” built-in virtual assistant, Alexa/Siri/Google Home) and Matter protocol smart-home integration. See additional info
Price as of December 8, 2025
Auto Empty Station: Self Empties Debris | Washes Mop Pad | Washes Mop Pad with Hot Water | Dries Mop Pad | Dries Mop Pad with Heated Air| Self Cleaning | Dirty Water Sensor
Mopping: Lifts Mop Pads on Carpets | Extending Mop Pad for Hard to Reach Areas | Can Leave Pads at Base while Vacuuming | Can Switch Pads at Base for Different Areas
Hardware: Auto Extending Side Brush for Hard to Reach Areas | Up to 80mm Threshold Crossing | Removes Hair from Brush Roll
Performance: Carpet Boost Settings
Mapping / Navigation: Multi Level Maps | Virtual Barriers and No Go Zones
Obstacle Avoidance: 240 Objects Recognized
Pet Features: Live Video Monitoring | Pet Checkup or Similar
Controls: Virtual Assistant Options
| Scores | Dreame Matrix10 Ultra | Average Robot Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 3.85 | 2.58 |
| Features | 4.19 | 3.28 |
| Mopping Performance | 3.48 | 2.39 |
| Obstacle Avoidance | 3.96 | 3.41 |
| Pet | 4.67 | 3.42 |
| Navigation | 2.78 | 3.21 |
| Battery | 1.77 | 2.56 |
| Performance | 3.65 | 3.56 |
| Official Battery Life: 260 Minutes | Navigation Type: VersaLift dToF Lidar |
| Official Suction Power: 30000 Pa | Dust Bin Size: 310ml |
| Obstacle Avoidance Type: Single Camera, 3D Structured Light, & LED | Objects Recognized: 240 |
| Multi Level Maps: Yes | Virtual Barriers: Yes |
| Detergent Capacity: unknown | Disposable Bag: 3.2L |
Why We Chose the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra as the Best Robot Vacuum $1,600 and Up
A Unique Category With Ultra-Premium Features
In the $1,600-and-up ultra-premium category, prices rise sharply and feature sets become genuinely experimental. These are the robots pushing boundaries in automation, navigation, and hands-free floor care. After extensive testing, our pick for the best robot vacuum $1,600 and up is the Dreame Matrix10 Ultra, a model that delivers some of the most innovative cleaning technology we’ve ever evaluated.
A Multi-Mop Dock Unlike Anything Else
The Matrix10’s most defining feature—and the reason it sits at the top of this category—is its Multi-Mop Switching Dock. Instead of relying on a single pad or even a single mop type, the dock supports:
- Three different mop pads
- Three separate reservoirs for different cleaning solutions
The robot automatically swaps mop pads depending on the zone, so you can use one type for bathrooms, another for kitchens, and another for general hard floors. This approach makes cleaning more sanitary and dramatically more customizable than anything we’ve tested.
This level of automation is exactly what sets the ultra-premium category apart—and the Matrix10 delivers it better than anyone else right now.
Breaking Ground with Leading Features
Its PowerDock™ handles auto-emptying, auto water refill, auto solution refill, and both mop-pad and dust-bag drying—offering one of the most complete maintenance systems available today.
The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra integrates several cutting-edge technologies, among them:
- Up to 30,000 Pa of Vormax™ suction
- OmniSight™ object detection recognizing over 240 object types
- ProLeap™ climbing over obstacles up to 80 mm
- Dual Flex Arm Technology for corner cleaning
- 212 °F mop-pad washing with 20 spray nozzles
- 10.5 mm mop lifting for carpets
- HyperStream™ Detangling DuoBrush rollers for reduced tangles
Most Advanced Automation
Its raw vacuuming performance was excellent and on par with other flagship premium models that we have evaluated; so if cleaning performance is your main priority, there are less expensive options out there. But if you want a robot vacuum and mop with the most advanced automation available, the Matrix10 is unmatched.
Final Thoughts
The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra is our selection for the best robot vacuum $1,600-and-up because it delivers groundbreaking features—especially the Multi-Mop Switching Dock—paired with strong navigation, excellent automation, and powerful vacuuming and mopping capabilities.
While it doesn’t top our overall rankings, its innovation and hands-free convenience make it the clear standout in the ultra-premium tier.
Comparing Robot Vacuums $1600 and Up
The Dreame Matrix10 Ultra’s innovative design helped it excel in our performance tests. To see how it compares with other high-end robot vacuums in the $1,600-and-up range, explore the comparison table below. Swipe on mobile or scroll on desktop to review the key differences.
Want to compare more models? Open our full robot vacuum comparison app to explore hundreds of side-by-side comparisons.
Dreame Matrix10 Ultra
Why You Can Trust Vacuum Wars Robot Vacuum Reviews
Vacuum Wars is 100% independent. We pay full retail price for every robot vacuum we test and take no money from manufacturers. Each unit goes through the same evaluations, so our results are impartial and easy to compare. For a detailed breakdown of our robot vacuum testing process, head to our How We Test Robot Vacuums page.
Finding the Best Robot Vacuum Above $1,600
If you’re ready to explore the cutting edge of robot vacuum technology—beyond what most homes demand, and into what the industry itself is watching—this article is for you. At Vacuum Wars we independently purchase and test every model, so our insights reflect real-world performance, not hype.
Understanding the Flagship/Innovator Tier
Robotic vacuums priced above $1,600 are where manufacturers introduce true breakthroughs—not just incremental improvements, but entirely new systems. In this tier you’ll see features such as:
- Integrated robotic arms that manage dustbins, move obstacles, or swap tools (for example in the Roborock Saros Z70).
- Multi-Mop Switching Docks with multiple reservoirs for different cleaning solutions and pad types.
- Full autonomy: self-emptying, self-refilling, pad-washing, carpet-detecting and adjustment without user intervention.
- Industry-leading suction/pickup systems, advanced AI obstacle avoidance (e.g., identifying toys, cords, pet messes), and enterprise-grade mapping across multiple levels with fine-grained room maps and behaviour profiles.
Soon, we expect to start seeing home robot vacuums that even climb stairs, such as models that were previewed at IFA 2025.
In short: these are devices built not just for the home of today, but for what home cleaning will be tomorrow.
The Market Dynamics
The above-$1,600 category is less about mass-market value and more about innovation leadership. Brands releasing these models aim to introduce features that will filter into lower tiers over time. As such, the units in this segment often represent the first generation of big ideas—some will mature, some will succeed spectacularly. At Vacuum Wars we’ve found that while these flagship models can justify their cost for high-demand environments (large homes, multiple floors, pets, complex layouts), their full potential is best realized by households willing to invest in future-ready automation.
Flagship Robot Vacuums at Vacuum Wars
In our test lab we’ve evaluated the latest high-end models that champion innovation—robot vacuums with robotic arms, multi-pad mopping stations, and intelligent AI. These models perform beyond standard cleaning: they anticipate, adapt, and automate far more of the user burden. Since these units push the envelope, our review focuses not just on cleaning outcomes, but on reliability of these novel features, firmware maturity, and long-term customer service.
Choosing the Right Robot Vacuum Above $1,600
When selecting a flagship robot vacuum in this price range, focus on:
- Unique Feature Set & Longevity: Are you getting features you cannot get elsewhere today? For example: robotic arm or pad-switching dock.
- Mature Software & Ecosystem: Early innovations are exciting—but only valuable if stable. Look for brands with strong update history and support.
- Cleaning & Autonomy Performance: Expect no compromise—deep-cleaning, mop effectiveness, obstacle avoidance, mapping multiple floors, real-world reliability.
- Dock Automation & Smart Maintenance: Self-empty, self-refill, pad-wash, service reminders—true “set and forget” operation.
- Home Suitability: These devices shine in large homes, homes with pets/children, or environments where cleaning downtime must be minimal.
Choosing Your Robot Vacuum
If you decide to invest beyond $1,600, you’re choosing more than a cleaning machine—you’re placing a bet on the future of home automation. Prioritize the innovations you believe will matter in your daily life. If you’re ready for a machine that cleans, automates, adapts, and evolves, this tier delivers first-mover performance.
Conclusion
The best robot vacuum above $1,600 isn’t just “the best vacuum” – it’s a vision of how cleaning will work in the near future. By evaluating which features truly matter today—and which are worth waiting for—you can choose a model that both performs magnificently now and leads the industry tomorrow.
More Best Robot Vacuums: Top 20 | Under $300 | $300 to $600 | $600 to $1,000 | $1,000 to $1,300 | $1,300 to $1,600 | $1,600 and Up | Obstacle Avoidance | Pet Hair | Mopping
