With advancements in robotic vacuum technology, more features and increasing autonomy also come with the downside of larger docking stations—some reaching nearly three feet in height. Such expansive towers can pose a challenge for those with limited space. For individuals fitting this description, a compact docking solution is often a necessity. However, this usually means the owner will need to manually empty the vacuum’s contents after cleaning. Logically, opting for a smaller dock should also translate to a reduced price point for the device.

Enter the Roomba 205, recently launched as part of an overhaul of the Roomba lineup, alongside the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, which stands as Dyson’s flagship robotic vacuum offering. While these two models may seem worlds apart—the Roomba catering to budget-conscious users with an easy-to-use interface and the Dyson positioning itself as a luxury product—they both deserve a closer look if a no-tower solution is on the radar.

Despite their apparent differences, both the Roomba 205 and Dyson 360 Vis Nav share similar fundamental characteristics. Their simplified features and average cleaning performance raise the question: is one of these models actually the superior choice?