Figure 03 vs 1X NEO — the home robot war has officially begun. Both humanoids are targeting your living room at around $20,000, but they take radically different approaches to getting there. This head-to-head comparison breaks down every spec, AI capability, design choice, and real-world trade-off so you can see exactly how these two home robots stack up in 2026.
Key Takeaways
- Figure 03 is the heavier (61 kg), AI-first humanoid with tactile fingertips, wireless charging, and Figure AI's industrial-grade engineering — targeting home deployment in late 2026.
- 1X NEO is lightweight (30 kg), consumer-designed from day one, with real pre-orders open now and US deliveries in 2026. Offers a $499/month subscription option.
- Figure 03 wins on manipulation, AI sophistication, and sensor technology. 1X NEO wins on speed, weight, pricing flexibility, and actual availability.
- Both robots are priced around $20,000, making this the most direct home humanoid comparison of 2026.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Figure 03: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
Figure 03 is the third-generation humanoid from Figure AI, and it's the company's first robot designed specifically for home deployment. While Figure 01 and Figure 02 focused on industrial applications at BMW factories, Figure 03 brings that same industrial-grade engineering into the consumer market.
Design and Build
At 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) and 61 kg (134 lbs), Figure 03 is built like a capable adult — not a lightweight assistant. That weight isn't bloat; it's the structural integrity needed to carry 20 kg payloads and perform demanding household tasks like moving furniture or carrying grocery bags from the car.
The most striking design feature is the washable soft textile covering. Unlike hard-shell robots, Figure 03's exterior can be removed and machine-washed — a practical consideration for a robot handling laundry and working in kitchens. It's 9% lighter than Figure 02 despite the consumer-focused additions.
Core Technologies
- Helix VLA Model: Figure's proprietary vision-language-action AI that learns by watching humans.
- Tactile Fingertips: Pressure-sensitive fingertips detecting forces as light as 3 grams.
- Palm Cameras: Close-range cameras in the palms enable precise manipulation of small objects.
- Wireless Charging: 2 kW inductive charging through the feet.
Price and Availability
Figure is targeting approximately $20,000 for consumer pricing, though this isn't officially confirmed. Home deployment is planned for late 2026, but no pre-orders are currently open.
1X NEO: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
1X NEO is the world's first consumer humanoid robot with real pre-orders and confirmed delivery dates. Built by Norwegian company 1X Technologies, NEO was designed from the ground up as a home robot.
Design and Build
NEO's defining characteristic is its weight: at just 30 kg (66 lbs), it's roughly half the weight of Figure 03. A lighter robot is safer around children and pets, easier to catch if it falls, and causes less damage if something goes wrong.
Core Technologies
- Human-in-the-Loop Teleoperation: When NEO encounters a task it can't handle autonomously, a remote 1X operator takes control.
- 12 km/h Running Speed: NEO is fast — no other home humanoid matches this speed.
- Monthly AI Updates: 1X promises continuous software improvements.
Price and Availability
At $20,000 purchase price or $499/month subscription, NEO offers flexible ownership options. Pre-orders are open now for US customers, with deliveries planned throughout 2026.
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison
1. Mobility and Speed
Winner: 1X NEO
NEO's 12 km/h running speed is nearly three times faster than Figure 03's 4.3 km/h walking pace. NEO's 30 kg weight also makes it more agile in tight spaces.
2. Dexterity and Manipulation
Winner: Figure 03
Figure 03's 20 kg payload capacity is the standout spec. The tactile fingertips detecting 3-gram forces put Figure 03 in a different class for delicate manipulation.
3. AI and Autonomy
Winner: Figure 03
Helix VLA versus human-in-the-loop teleoperation represents a fundamental philosophical divide. For buyers who prioritize privacy, Figure 03's autonomous approach wins.
4. Sensors and Perception
Winner: Figure 03
Figure 03 has tactile fingertips, palm cameras, standard cameras, microphones, and IMUs — a more sophisticated sensor suite.
5. Price and Value
Winner: 1X NEO
Both robots target $20,000, but NEO offers a $499/month subscription. Over three years, that's $17,964 — no $20,000 upfront commitment.
6. Build Quality and Home Integration
Winner: Figure 03
Wireless charging through the feet is a genuine innovation. The washable textile exterior is equally practical.
7. Availability
Winner: 1X NEO
NEO has open pre-orders and confirmed US delivery dates. Figure 03 is targeting late 2026 but has no pre-orders yet.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Figure 03 if you:
- Need heavy-duty capability (20 kg payload)
- Prioritize privacy (no human operators)
- Value advanced manipulation (tactile fingertips)
- Can wait until late 2026
Choose 1X NEO if you:
- Want a robot in 2026 (pre-orders open now)
- Prefer subscription pricing ($499/month)
- Need speed and agility (12 km/h running)
- Prioritize safety around family (30 kg weight)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figure 03 better than 1X NEO?
Figure 03 is more capable on paper — better manipulation, more advanced AI, superior sensors. But NEO is actually available and offers subscription pricing. "Better" depends on your priorities.
How much does Figure 03 cost vs 1X NEO?
Both target approximately $20,000 for purchase. NEO also offers a $499/month subscription option.
Which robot has better AI?
Figure 03's Helix VLA is more sophisticated autonomous AI. NEO uses human operators to assist when AI can't handle a task — more reliable but less private.
Can I buy Figure 03 or 1X NEO now?
You can pre-order 1X NEO now for delivery in 2026 (US only). Figure 03 doesn't have open pre-orders yet.
Which is safer around children?
NEO's 30 kg weight makes it inherently safer than Figure 03's 61 kg. Physics favors the lighter machine.
Final Verdict: Figure 03 vs 1X NEO
1X NEO wins for 2026 buyers. It's the only home humanoid you can actually order, with confirmed delivery dates and a subscription option that reduces financial risk.
But Figure 03 has superior manipulation, more advanced AI, and innovative features like wireless charging and tactile fingertips. If you can wait until late 2026, Figure 03 may be worth it.
Compare both robots: Figure 03 on Robozaps | 1X NEO on Robozaps | Figure 03 Review | 1X NEO Review
Last updated: February 11, 2026. Specifications sourced from official manufacturer documentation.
