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A recent FCC decision could severely stunt the growth of any list of the best robot vacuums that pops up on Google.

Top robot vacuum brands like Roborock and Dreame typically release new robot vacuums multiple times throughout the year. But the FCC's ban on foreign-made mobile robots, which includes robot vacuums, will prevent U.S. shoppers from buying any of them. No new Sharks, no new Roombas... the mainstream market would pretty much be swept.

The ban won't touch robot vacuums that are already in circulation. As is the case with foreign-made drones, exemptions are technically possible for future releases. Manufacturers could circumvent the ban by getting special approval from the government, which will decide whether or not their particular robot vacuums are a security threat.

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Hypothetically, it's hard for shoppers to conceptualize just how slim pickings could get. But how are the brands themselves taking the news? I reached out to the impacted robot vacuum brands that I regularly test at home. Here are the official statements given to Mashable via email so far:

Shark

“Our Shark robot vacuums currently sold in the U.S. will continue to be available for sale, use, and support. Regarding future models, we are evaluating our best options, but as a U.S.-based company we believe we are well positioned to navigate the process to continue to launch new models at competitive prices as we always have. We are closely monitoring developments and evaluating next steps as more information becomes available. We remain committed to serving our consumers and keeping them informed.”

Eufy

"We are aware of the FCC’s recent update. Based on our current understanding, the new rule does not affect the continued availability, use, or support of products we currently sell in the United States. Those products remain available and will continue to receive updates and customer support.

Like others across the industry, we are seeking further clarity on how the rule will be applied to future products, and we will keep our customers informed. We remain committed to complying with all regulatory requirements in every market where we operate."

iRobot

"We are aware of the FCC's recent action and are working with them to better understand its implementation and potential impact. We remain committed to serving our customers and will share updates as more information becomes available."

Narwal

"Narwal products already certified and sold in the United States are not affected by the FCC’s action. Our customers’ robots continue to work, remain fully supported, and current models remain available at retail. We are reviewing the announcement and the conditional approval process, and we remain committed to serving our U.S. consumers. The security and privacy of our customers’ homes is foundational to the ethos of the Narwal brand, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate that."

This story is developing and will be updated if more statements are received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Robot vacuums happen to fall under a broader category that's front and center in the latest FCC ban: foreign-made mobile robots. According to the July 28 announcement, the U.S. government believes that "advanced robotic devices" manufactured outside the U.S. pose an "unacceptable risk" to national security. Foreign drones were blacklisted in December 2025 for similar security concerns.

Even brands that are technically headquartered in the U.S., namely Shark and iRobot, could be affected going forward — Shark vacuums and Roombas are mainly manufactured overseas.

If you heard about the DJI robot vacuums that were hacked in February, you can probably understand the skepticism. Even if the company itself doesn't have malicious intentions, there's no 100 percent guarantee that nothing can go wrong with a device that can drive around your home and record your day-to-day life.

Yes, even robot vacuums without livestream capabilities are on the chopping block. Shark and iRobot have yet to make a robot vacuum with a two-way livestream camera like many other popular flagship robot vacs have. But the cameras aren't the only issue — the sensors that make features like obstacle avoidance and smart mapping possible are also bullet points in the FCC's criteria for "advanced robotic devices."

Yes. The FCC has confirmed that you're still allowed to use any robot vacuums you already own, even if it was manufactured outside of the U.S. Any previously purchased devices should work like normal and continue receiving software updates through Jan. 1, 2029.

Robot vacuums that have already been imported to the U.S. can still be purchased. Retailers like Amazon and Best Buy can still sell the stock of vacuums they already have — they just won't be allowed to sell new robot vacuum releases that were made outside the U.S.

Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums, TVs, beauty devices, and eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories helps her make thoughtful recommendations for how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.