Buying guide for best robot vacuums
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Like most people, I don’t really enjoy cleaning chores, but I avoid some more than others. For some reason, vacuuming is one that I am always trying to put off. That’s not really feasible, since I have two dogs at home that shed like crazy. If I didn’t vacuum regularly, my house would be full of tumbleweed-sized balls of pet hair in every corner.
But I hate lugging my upright vacuum out of the closet every few days to get the job done. It is heavy, the cord always gets in the way and it can be hard to maneuver around furniture. Now, I could probably invest in a better upright, but I decided to go a different way. I bought a robotic vacuum I can hand off most of the vacuuming to, so I only need to use my upright every few weeks.
Robotic vacuums aren’t powerful enough to fully replace manual vacuums, but they are incredibly effective for touch-ups between deep-cleaning sessions. I usually send my robot out every other day, and that’s enough to keep my floors free of dirt, crumbs and pet hair until I use my upright again.
If concerns about it getting stuck on cables or requiring frequent emptying have held you back from buying a robot vacuum, it may be time to reconsider. The latest generation of robots features sophisticated, camera-based navigation that lets them avoid obstacles like wires, toys, clothing and more — some are even smart enough to recognize pet poop and steer around i t —and often comes with charging bases that automatically empty their dirt for 30 to 90 days. Some even have a mopping feature that lets them clean spills, dried-on stains and greasy residue from hard floors.
At BestReviews, we’ve researched, tested and evaluated dozens of robotic vacuums to help find the best models. Our top pick, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T90 PRO Omni Robot, is a feature-packed model that vacuums and mops with minimal maintenance required. It delivers 30,000 Pa of suction to pull embedded debris from carpeting and uses pressurized, rotating action to actually scrub floors while mopping. Its all-in-one base auto-empties, auto-washes and dries the mop heads and refills the mopping solution, so you don’t have to.
Editors' picks
ECOVACS DEEBOT T90 PRO Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop
Editors’ Favorite
Best Robot Vac and Mop for Most Homes
Battery life: 200 min | Dimensions: 13.31” L x 11.06” W x 19.69” H | Dock capacity: 3.2 L | Weight: 30.8 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
Delivering 30,000 Pa of suction, the ECOVACS DEEBOT T90 PRO Omni Robot is one of the most powerful robotic vacuums on our list. It pulls dust, crumbs, pet hair and other debris from carpets and hard floors in fewer passes than other models. It’s particularly effective for homes with pets because its unique airflow guides hair directly into the suction port, keeping it from wrapping around the brushes and causing clogs.
That’s not all that sets the DEEBOT T90 Pro Omni’s cleaning performance apart, though. It also has a mopping function with dual spinning mop heads that use pressurized scrubbing to remove sticky residue, dried stains, grease and other grime from hard floors. The mop heads are cleaned in real time, too, so it never mops with dirty water.
You won’t be stuck with regular maintenance tasks, either. The DEEBOT T90 Pro Omni’s all-in-one base not only charges its battery but also auto-empties the dirt and debris it vacuums up, washes and auto-dries the mop heads and auto-refills the robot with cleaning solution for mopping. The base holds up to 90 days’ worth of debris, so you can go three months without having to empty any dirt.
Dreame D20 Air Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop, Black
Great Value
Battery life: 150 min | Dimensions: 12.8” L x 10.49” W x 18.55” H | Dock capacity: 4 L | Weight: 13.2 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
You don’t have to break the bank for a robotic vacuum/mop combo with minimal maintenance; the Dreame D20 Air Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop is definite proof of that. It costs a fraction of the price of premium models, but it still includes a self-emptying dock that can hold up to 120 days’ worth of dust, debris and pet hair for hands-free maintenance. The self-sealing bag in the dock also traps 99.9% of allergens and produces no dust clouds, so it’s safe for homes with allergy sufferers.
In addition to its self-emptying base, the D20 Air Plus also offers a mopping feature like high-end robotic vacuums. It vacuums and mops at the same time and can effectively clean everything from light residue to dried-on stains. You can even adjust the mop’s wetness in the Dreame app to suit any mess.
The D20 Air Plus cleans efficiently, too. It uses smart LiDAR navigation and next-gen algorithms to accurately map your home and plan cleaning paths that avoid furniture and other obstacles. It cleans just as well in the dark as in bright light, so you can run your robot at night. The connected app also lets you designate no-go zones where you don’t want it to clean.
Dreame L60 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop, Black
Best for Pets
Battery life: 180 min | Dimensions: 17” L x 16” W x 27” H | Dock capacity: 3.2 L | Weight: 40.2 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Dreame L60 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop may be the answer to every pet owner’s prayers. Its 35,000 Pa of maximum suction power is strong enough to lift pet hair, dust, dirt, crumbs and other debris from hard floors and carpeting for truly thorough, deep cleaning. Its dual-brush system also helps prevent tangles and clogs, so it can handle heavy amounts of hair without missing a beat.
The L60 Pro Ultra offers even more pet-friendly cleaning features, though. It lets you customize cleaning settings for areas of your home that need deeper cleaning because of pet hair or crumbs from pet food. The large-particle boost mode is perfect for picking up kibble, while its pet-finding mode lets you monitor and interact with your pets via the onboard cameras when you’re away from home.
Like most premium robots, the L60 Pro Ultra has a mopping function that scrubs hard floors for effective cleaning. It even uses hot water for mopping to help remove greasy or sticky residue. Its all-in-one base station auto-washes the mop pads, dries them with hot air and refills the water plus self-empties the robot of dirt and dust to keep maintenance to a minimum.
Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum
Best Bagless Self-Emptying Robot
Battery life: 120 min | Dimensions: 13.7" L x 13.7" W x 4.1" H | Dock capacity: 1 L | Weight: 10.4 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Shark AV2501S AI Ultra is a vacuum-only robot from one of customers’ favorite home-cleaning brands. It does a solid job cleaning wall-to-wall carpet and bare flooring at an appealing price.
While Shark doesn’t publicize suction values, the AI Ultra has been estimated to have around 2,000 Pa of suction. Using LiDAR navigation and mapping, it cleans row-by-row in a highly efficient grid pattern. It features a single roller brush with anti-hair fins and uses puffs of air to blow debris out of corners into its cleaning path for thorough results.
While its self-empty dock isn’t the fanciest, it gets the basics done, holding about 30 days’ worth of dirt in its 1-liter dustbin. That dustbin, like many beloved Shark vacuums, is bagless, so there’s no added expense or trash. Just pull it out of the dock, empty it over a trash can and wash it occasionally for best results.
DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2
Best for Edge Cleaning
Battery life: 230 min | Dimensions: 13.8” L x 13.8” W x 3.8” H | Dock capacity: 3.2 L | Weight: 8.58 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 is one of the most powerful robot vacuums on our list, allowing it to provide complete floor cleaning, even along edges and in corners. It delivers 25,000 Pa of suction power, so it can deep clean both hard floors and carpeting. Offering five suction levels, it lets you choose the right power for the floor type and the amount of dirt present. It even has a mopping function, so it can handle wet or sticky messes on hard flooring.
The L40 Ultra Gen 2 is highly efficient, thanks to its built-in dynamic laser that powers its obstacle-avoidance feature. It can navigate around objects, like toys, socks, furniture legs and other obstacles, so you don’t have to pick up around the house before you send the robot out. It also performs a 360-degree scan of your home to determine the optimal cleaning routes for truly thorough cleaning.
The all-in-one base also makes maintenance a breeze. It auto-empties the robot’s internal dustbin for up to 100 days, plus washes and dries its mopping pads. It even automatically refills the robot’s water tank for mopping, so it’s always ready to clean. The base charges the robot, too, which boasts a battery life of more than three hours.
Eufy Robot Vacuum E25
Best Mid-Range Mop Combo
Battery life: 200 min | Dimensions: 12.83" L x 13.72" W x 4.4" H | Dock capacity: 2.5 L | Weight: 39.2 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Eufy Robot Vacuum E25 is a powerful robot vacuum-mop combo that makes maintenance a breeze. It features 20,000 Pa of suction power to remove dust, pet hair and other debris from both hard floors and carpeting. It also has anti-tangle brushes that keep hair from getting caught around them and prevent clogs inside the robot. Its unique corner arm also ensures your rooms are cleaned edge to edge, reaching into corners and along baseboards to remove all dirt and pet hair.
The E25 also has an all-in-one base that handles all of the most frequent maintenance tasks. It self-empties its onboard dustbin each time it docks, and the base can hold up to 75 days’ worth of debris for less frequent emptying. It also automatically refills the onboard water tank and washes and dries the mopping pads after each cleaning session.
You don’t have to worry about your robot running out of battery life in the middle of vacuuming and mopping, either. It can clean for up to 200 minutes on a single charge, so it’s ideal for larger areas. Its precise navigation and mapping also enable it to clean more efficiently, and the AI-backed obstacle avoidance lets it maneuver around over 200 common household objects even in low-light situations.
Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop with Self-Empty Dock
Best Budget Robot Vac and Mop
Battery life: 150 min | Dimensions: 19.57” L x 12.8” W x 10.24” H | Dock capacity: 2.7 L | Weight: 10.58 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
While its suction isn’t as powerful as premium robotic vacuums, the Roborock Q7 M5+ Robot Vacuum and Mop delivers many of the same features as those high-end models but at a fraction of the price. It not only vacuums hard surfaces and carpets, but mops hard floors at the same time. It offers three electronically controlled water-flow levels, too, so you can target particularly messy floors.
The Q7 M5+ uses PreciSense LiDAR navigation to map your home accurately. By learning the layout, it creates efficient cleaning paths that ensure thorough, deep cleaning. It can also optimize cleaning paths in real time, making it ideal if you have pets or multiple rooms.
You also have multiple options for controlling the robot. You can use the Roborock app to schedule cleaning, set up no-go zones, start a quick spot clean, monitor progress and check the battery level. It also responds to voice commands via a smart-home assistant like Alexa or Google Home for hands-free control.
Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best Low-Cost Starter Robot
Battery life: 150 min | Dimensions: 17.7” L x 17.7” W x 17.7” H | Dock capacity: 2.5 L | Weight: 9.74 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop is a powerful robot vacuum-and-mop combo and a great entry point into the world of robotic vacuums. It delivers up to 22,000 Pa of suction power, so it can even dig dirt, debris and pet hair out from carpet fibers. It also has a mopping feature that uses hot water to dissolve sticky stains and greasy residue, keeping your hard floors as clean as possible.
The Qrevo CurvX is remarkably efficient, too, thanks to its reactive AI obstacle recognition. It uses structured light and an RGB camera to detect and avoid 108 objects around the house, so it can navigate smoothly around obstacles and furniture, even in the dark, eliminating the need to pick up toys, clothes and other items before you send it out to clean.
It can clean areas other robotic vacuums can’t reach, too. It’s extremely slim, measuring just over 3 inches tall, so it can easily clean under cabinets, couches, beds and other furniture items. It also maneuvers over high thresholds and around furniture legs effortlessly, thanks to AdaptiLift Chassis technology that lifts the entire chassis to over 1.5 inches based on the terrain.
Lefant M210 Pro Robot Vacuum, White
Best Basic Robot Vacuum
Battery life: 120 min | Dimensions: 11” L x x 11” W x 2.99” H | Dock capacity: N/A | Weight: 5.28 lb | Mapping: No | Self-emptying: No | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: No
The Lefant M210 Pro Robot Vacuum may be a pretty basic robotic vacuum, but it still delivers plenty of convenient features that make cleaning efficient and effective. It offers six cleaning modes, including an edge setting for getting into corners and along walls. You can choose from three suction levels, too, including a silent mode that’s ideal for when the kids are sleeping.
The M210’s unique suction-port design also improves efficiency. It directs hair, dust and other debris straight into the dustbin, making its cleaning efficiency nearly 90%. You’ll especially appreciate this feature if you have pets, as it can handle large amounts of hair.
The Lefant app makes scheduling a cinch, so you can program it to vacuum at your chosen time without you lifting a finger. If you have an Alexa or Google Home device, you can use voice commands to send it out to clean. The M210 also automatically returns to the charging base when its battery gets low, so you don’t have to worry about it dying mid-vacuum.
Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum and Mop, Black
Best Premium Robot Vac and Mop
Battery life: 180 min | Dimensions: 18” L x 18” W x 3.13” H | Dock capacity: 3.2 L | Weight: 10.4 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum and Mop is about as premium as a robot vacuum can get. It’s one of the most powerful models on our list, delivering an impressive 35,000 Pa of suction power. Its robust design pulls embedded dirt and hair from carpets and delivers three times the cleaning efficiency of lower-end robots. It doesn’t get tangled with hair, either, so it’s ideal if you have pets. It can even recognize your pets and let you monitor them via the onboard cameras.
The X60 Max Ultra is just as effective at cleaning hard floors, thanks to its mopping function. Its dual mop pads apply 15N of force and spin at 230 RPM, and the system uses hot water to deep-clean hard surfaces, removing even the most stubborn greasy or sticky residue.
You don’t have to worry about messy maintenance chores after the X60 Max Ultra vacuums and mops, though. Its 10-in-1 multifunctional dock does most of the dirty work for you. It self-empties the dust and holds up to 100 days’ worth of debris. It also uses hot water to wash the mop pads and hot air to dry them. It even refills the mopping solution automatically, so the robot is always ready to clean.
Roborock QV 35A Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best Price & Performance Balance
Battery life: 180 min | Dimensions: 13.78” L x 13.9” W x 3.8” H | Dock capacity: 2.7 L | Weight: 25.57 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A is a powerful, feature-packed robot vacuum that makes keeping your floors clean as easy and convenient as possible. It provides 9,000 Pa of suction power, allowing it to remove embedded dirt, hair and other debris from carpeting and rugs and effectively clean hard surfaces. It also has an anti-tangle brush system with a full-rubber spiral main brush and an asymmetrical side brush that prevents hair from tangling or wrapping around them, so you don’t have to worry about your robot getting stuck.
In addition to removing dry debris from hard floors, this model also easily tackles wet or sticky messes. It features dual spinning mops that rotate at 200 rotations per minute and offer 30 adjustable water levels to effectively clean all hard floor types. The mop heads automatically lift to transition between hard surfaces and carpeting, preventing your carpets from getting wet.
You don’t need to babysit the QV35A while it’s cleaning, either. It uses PreciSense LiDAR navigation to scan and accurately map your home for more efficient vacuuming. It can store maps for up to four levels, too, so your entire house is covered. Its reactive obstacle-avoidance technology also allows it to move around items such as furniture, cords, toys and clothing, preventing it from getting stuck in the middle of cleaning.
Dreame L50 Ultra
Best for Pet Owners
Battery life: 180 min | Dimensions: 13.7” L x 13.86” W x 3.82” H | Dock capacity: 3.2 L | Weight: 9.79 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
Pet owners certainly won’t find the Dreame L50 Ultra lacking when it comes to picking up hair and kibble around the house. Powered by a TurboForce high-speed motor, it delivers 19,500 Pa of suction, comparable to that of an upright vacuum. This intense power enables it to remove embedded dirt and hair from carpets, along walls and in corners for truly thorough whole-house cleaning.
The robot also features an anti-tangle brush system that prevents pet hair from getting caught around it. It consists of a bristled rubber brush and a TPU rubber brush that keep hair from wrapping around, so the Dreame L50 Ultra always maintains its suction.
It also has a mopping function, so your hard surfaces get just as complete a clean. It automatically lifts the mop head when on carpeting, too, so you don’t have to worry about your carpets getting wet. Best of all, its all-in-one dock not only auto-empties the L50 Ultra after each cleaning session for up to 100 days but also cleans and dries its mop pads and refills the robot with water for effortless maintenance.
Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum
Best Bagless Robot Vacuum
Battery life: 120 min | Dimensions: 13.08” L x 8.43” W x 13.9” H | Dock capacity: 2.5 L | Weight: 15.25 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: No
If you’re looking for a robotic vacuum that won’t miss any spots while vacuuming, the Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum is up to the task. It vacuums in a precise grid and makes multiple passes over areas with heavy dirt and hair to ensure that every inch of the floor is clean and no debris is left behind. It also features a HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, so you don’t have to worry about dust and allergens escaping into your home’s air.
This filtration system and powerful suction make it ideal for homes with pets, allowing it to pull embedded hair from carpeting and capture pet dander. However, it also has a self-cleaning brushroll, so you don’t have to worry about your pet’s hair getting stuck around the brushes.
The Shark AV2501AE also offers a highly advanced navigation system that allows it to learn your home’s layout. It uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to map your home, enabling it to clean your floors efficiently even in low light. It can also avoid obstacles in its path, so it doesn’t get stuck on cords, cables or other items.
DREAME X50 Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best for Hard Floors
Battery life: 200 min | Dimensions: 13.9” L x 13.9" W x 3.86” H | Dock capacity: 4 L | Weight: 11.7 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
Mopping is a chore that’s become a favorite to pass on to a robot vacuum. The Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni adds a special trick to its mopping repertoire by being able to clean and refresh its mop attachment in the robot itself, no re-docking needed.
The Deebot X9 Pro Omni mop-and-vacuum robot has a rotating roller mop that spins at 220 rpm at multiple times the pressure of non-roller mops. The mop roller is designed to wring itself clean and refresh with new water as it spins, minimizing the reuse and spread of absorbed dirt. The X9 Pro Omni’s AI also prioritizes hard floor mopping, detecting the dirt level of the mop roller and automatically mopping again if needed.
For vacuuming, the X9 Pro Omni uses Ecovacs’ BLAST high-volume airflow and V-shaped split roller to pick up and remove dirt from all kinds of flooring and carpeting. The X9 Pro Omni has a low-profile silhouette thanks to front-mounted navigation sensors, so it can get under furniture. Its multipurpose dock cleans, washes, dries and refills the mop while storing 4 liters of collected dirt. It has a battery life of around 200 minutes, so it’s sure to get everything cleaned in one go.
Roborock Qrevo S5V Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best Robot Vacuum for Pet Hair
Battery life: 180 min | Dimensions: 13.9” L x 13.78" W x 3.8” H | Dock capacity: 2.7 L | Weight: 25.7 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
Cleaning up pet hair is one of the most sought-after jobs for any robot vacuum. The Roborock Qrevo S5V does the job with enhancements to its roller and side brush that collects more hair while keeping it from getting tangled up in the works.
The Roborock Qrevo S5V combo mop-vac robot uses a floating rubberized roller to pick up dirt and pet hair from flooring surfaces. Its bristle-free, split-sided design helps keep pet hair looser and more accessible than bristle brushes, and channels the hair more neatly into its suction path, where 12,000 Pa of suction force takes care of the rest. The side brush’s arms are served like a spiral, also cutting down on hair wrap. With this system, the Qrevo S5V claims 100% hair removal.
The Qrevo S5V has spinning pads for mopping that also extend for edge and corner cleaning. Its dock stores seven weeks of dirt and holds enough water for over 3,500 square feet of mopping, while also washing and drying the mop heads automatically. It navigates with LiDAR and has 180 minutes of battery life.
Mova S10 Robot Vacuum
Best Under $200
Battery life: 260 min | Dimensions: 13.78” L x 13.78” W x 3.83” H | Dock capacity: NA | Weight: 8.59 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: No | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Mova S10 Robot Vacuum is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to find a powerful, convenient robot vacuum. It offers 7,000 Pa of suction power, which is similar to what some pricier models provide. It can remove dirt, crumbs and other debris from hard floors without scattering it and even eliminate pet hair from carpeting.
Like higher-end models, the Mova S10 also has a mopping function to thoroughly clean hard floors. It automatically lifts the mop head depending on the floor that it’s on, though, so you don’t have to worry about your carpeting getting wet.
This robot is also easy to control. It has a connected app that lets you create cleaning schedules, adjust settings and create no-mop zones to fully customize how it cleans your floors. It’s compatible with Alexa, Siri and Google Home for voice commands, too, so you can just tell the S10 to start vacuuming when there’s a mess to clean.
Yeedi M14 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop
Best for Mixed Flooring
Battery life: 240 min | Dimensions: 13.3” L x 12.07” W x 4.1” H | Dock capacity: 3 L | Weight: 35.2 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
Whether it’s carpeting or hardwood, the Yeedi M14 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop offers deep cleaning for all your home’s floors.
It boasts 18,000 Pa of suction power that allows it to pull embedded dirt and hair from carpeting and a super slim design that lets it clean beneath sofas, beds and other furniture. It also effectively vacuums along a room’s edges, ensuring that no dust or hair collects in the corners.
The robot also mops hard floors, offering a roller that rotates 200 times per minute to mimic hand scrubbing. It automatically lifts the mop when on carpeting and adjusts the water flow based on the flooring surface to avoid puddles. You don’t have to worry about cleaning the mopping pads yourself, though, because the M14’s all-in-one base automatically washes them with hot water and dries them with warm air.
Narwal Freo X10 Pro
Best Vacuum/Mop Combo
Battery life: 210 min | Dimensions: 13.98" L x 13.78" W x 4.24" H | Dock capacity: 2.5 L | Weight: 9.6 lb | Mapping: Yes | Self-emptying: Yes | Voice commands: Yes | Mopping: Yes
The Narwal Freo X10 Pro offers excellent mopping and vacuuming in a single midpriced model. In fact, it’s one of the most compelling and full-featured vacuum/mop combo robots in its price range.
The Freo X10 Pro offers 11,000 Pa of suction power combined with a floating tangle-resistant bristle-fin combo brush to get into carpet pile without damaging hardwood floors. It navigates smartly with a combination of LiDAR and cameras to recognize and avoid obstacles, so you don't have to worry about it getting stuck.
Its mopping capabilities are also impressive. Two triangular spinning mop heads press down and scrub against stubborn dirt and stains and reach into edges and corners for a thorough clean. Notably, Narwal doesn’t make you use a solution if you don’t want to; it cleans well with just plain water.
The X10 Pro’s self-empty dock holds up to 2.5 liters of dirt. It takes care of mop maintenance, like washing and drying, for you as well, and can empty and refill the robot’s water tank. Plus, dual side brushes feature a tangle-free design, so they're easy to maintain.
How we selected the best robot vacuums
We surveyed the market for robot vacuums and noted the best and most popular brands. We used experience and knowledge gained during a past round of robot vacuum testing in our Testing Lab to inform our selections. Factors we considered included:
- Setup: This included the unboxing process and evaluating its physical size and weight, ease of connection to Wi-Fi, ease of pairing to a smartphone, app setup and dock setup.
- Suction power and cleaning performance: We looked at Pa ratings, roller number and design, airflow, cleaning path width, corner and edge capabilities and dustbin size.
- Navigation: We studied ease of mapping, effectiveness of obstacle avoidance, autonomy, real-time reactions, and number of maps or levels stored.
- Mopping: This included effectiveness, type of action (rolling, spinning, vibrating), RPMs, ease of tank filling and ease of mop cleaning.
- Maintenance: We analyzed dock capacity, dock functions, ease of cleaning and warranty.
- Price: We looked at value for money and features included for the cost.
Why buy a robot vacuum?
Consider investing in a robotic vacuum cleaner if any of the following apply.
- You love coming home to a clean space, but you hate vacuuming.
- You enjoy living in an environment with spotless floors.
- You find you can’t keep up with the ever-accumulating pet hair or other debris in your home.
- You want to minimize the amount of time you spend cleaning your home.
- You’re interested in high-tech gadgets and would get great enjoyment from a robotic vacuum cleaner.
- You’re looking for ways to simplify your life.
What to consider before you buy a robot vacuum
Suction power
A robot vacuum’s suction power is often measured in Pascals or Pa. This measure is far from the complete story of cleaning efficiency for a robot vacuum, but it’s a quick shorthand that can help you choose a model for your cleaning needs. Suction power has increased since the early days of robot vacuums; an older Roomba had significantly less than 1,000 Pa of suction, while some high-end models offer more than 20,000 Pa. Look for a starting value of at least 5,000 Pa of suction for a current robot vacuum.
Our top picks for suction power
- DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop tops out at 25,000 Pa, making it the most powerful model on our list.
- Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A delivers 8,000 Pa of suction power to effectively remove pet hair and crumbs from carpeting.
- NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop hits 11,000 Pa of suction power, so it can deep-clean hard flooring and carpeting.
- Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum doesn’t provide a suction power rating, but it is powerful enough to clean dirt, hair and other debris from both hard floors and carpets.
- eufy Robot Vacuum E25 delivers 20,000 Pa of suction power, enabling it to remove deeply embedded dust, dirt and hair from all surfaces.
Roller
The other factor in a robot vacuum’s cleaning effectiveness is its roller element. Like the beater brush on a human-operated vacuum, the roller’s job is to loosen and agitate dirt from floors or carpet and lift it to where the robot’s suction can pull it into its dust cup. In our past testing, we found that dual rollers were more effective at pickup than single rollers even at low suction levels, but single rollers have become more common to go with higher levels of suction force. Rollers may have bristles, fins or both. Hair is more likely to tangle around bristles, so look for finned rollers if pet hair is a big concern. Some budget robot vacuums don’t have rollers at all and rely completely on suction and side brushes.
Our top picks for rollers
- DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop has a rubber roller brush that quickly picks up hair and debris without damaging hard floors, plus an extendable side brush for reaching into corners and under furniture.
- Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A has a tangle-free brush system, featuring a full-rubber spiral main brush and an upgraded asymmetrical side brush.
- NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop features a tangle-free brush system that pairs a traditional roller brush that guides hair right into the dustbin with a side brush that loosens debris for easier pickup.
- Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum has a self-cleaning brushroll that can handle pet hair and long hair without getting tangled.
- eufy Robot Vacuum E25 features anti-tangle brushes that prevent pet hair from wrapping around them and reduce clogging, so you don't have to manually clean the robot.
Navigation
When they were first introduced, robot vacuums were notorious for wandering around semi-randomly and bumping into walls or furniture. While this cleaning method was more effective than it looked, more orderly cleaning patterns quickly came to market. Today’s robot vacuums mostly use LiDAR (light detection and ranging) to make their way around a room. A turret or window shoots invisible lasers that build a map of the space for the robot vacuum to remember, while object recognition allows it to find and avoid obstacles, such as socks, cords, pet messes or children' s toys, that once would have confounded earlier robot models.
Our top picks for navigation
- DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop uses a Pathfinder technology to perform a 360-degree scan of your home to identify optimal cleaning routes and can store maps for up to four floors. It also features a built-in laser to navigate around obstacles.
- Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A relies on PreciSense LiDAR-based navigation, which allows it to perform a 360-degree scan of rooms and create detailed maps.
- NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop features LiDAR navigation and 3D structured light obstacle avoidance to accurately map your home and maneuver around furniture and other items without interruption.
- Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum uses 360-degree LiDAR vision navigation to create accurate maps of your home, enabling thorough, efficient cleaning.
- eufy Robot Vacuum E25 precisely maps your home and remembers up to five floor plans using laser-guided navigation.
Docks
Consumers have embraced robot vacuums that have self-emptying docks or docking stations. Where once you’d have to manually empty the robot vacuum’s onboard dust cup, nowadays many robots have docks equipped with vacuums themselves to suck out the collected dirt and store it for weeks before needing to be emptied. Self-empty docks may be bagged or be bagless and, if the robot features a mop, also hold water and do maintenance routines.
Our top picks for docks
- DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop minimizes maintenance with its all-in-one dock that auto-empties for up to 100 days, auto-cleans and dries the mop pads and refills the water tank for mopping.
- Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A has an all-in-one dock that automatically empties the robot for seven to nine weeks, refills its mopping water tank, and washes and dries its mopping pads.
- NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop features a base that can hold up to 120 days’ worth of debris and automatically washes and dries its mop pads.
- Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum has a bagless, self-emptying dock that holds up to two months of dirt and debris.
- eufy Robot Vacuum E25 includes an all-in-one docking station that provides automated self-emptying of the dustbin, self-washing of the mop roller and hot-air drying for the mop.
Mopping
One of the most avoided of manual chores, mopping has become a killer feature for robot vacuums. Early combo robots had rudimentary pads that simply dragged along a surface, removing dust but unable to tackle either spills or stubborn dirt.
Today’s combo vacuum-and-mop robots have mopping elements that spin or rotate to dig into dirt and stains, and pair with multifunction docks that wash and dry the pads plus refill the robots with clean water and fresh solution. Look for the RPM (revolutions per minute) for spinning or rolling mop pads and how easy it is to refill, clean and dry the mopping elements on a robot vacuum. Look also for how much the mopping element can lift, so that the robot won’t drag a wet or dirty mop on top of carpet.
Our top picks for mopping
- The DREAME L40 Ultra Gen 2 Robot Vacuum and Mop features two high-speed rotary mops that provide extra pressure to scrub stains and offer 32 levels of moisture adjustment.
- The Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV 35A has two rotating mopping pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute and offer 30 adjustable water levels.
- The NARWAL Freo X10 Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop has dual spinning mops that deliver 8N of pressure to remove stubborn stains. They also have a triangular design to maximize coverage.
- The Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum doesn’t have a mopping feature.
- The eufy Robot Vacuum E25 features a HydroJet system with self-washing roller mops that refresh the rollers twice per second for truly clean floors.
How to clean a robot vacuum
A robot vacuum needs regular cleaning to stay in peak condition.
Every week or so, check its rollers for pet hair and other tangles and clean its sensors and wheels. For most robot vacuums, this involves simply turning the robot on its back and opening an access panel to its roller brushes. Remove the roller and cut or untangle string, pet hair and other debris. Clean the compartment containing the rollers as well. Replace the rollers when you’re done.
Use a soft microfiber or lint-free cloth to clean any sensor windows on your robot vacuum, including cliff sensors, IR receivers, camera windows and laser ports. Check the wheels and axles for debris.
Every so often, unscrew the side brushes if possible and check for debris in the axle. If possible, rinse the dirt bin in warm water, and replace the dust filter when recommended.
Robot vacuum cleaner prices
Robot vacuums cost more compared to a standard upright vacuum. That said, the prices of vacuums can vary. Generally, the higher the price, the more features you have and the more cleaning power you’ll get.
Under $200
The most affordable robots cost under $200. Less-expensive robotic vacuum cleaners feature more basic cleaning options (think low-pile carpet, minimal messes and smaller living rooms) and may lack mopping and self-empty dock features found in costlier models.
From $200 to $800
Between $200 and $800, you’ll find the best entry-level and mid-priced models of well-known and dependable robot vacuum manufacturers, including iRobot, Roborock, Eufy and Shark. Pricier robotic vacuum cleaners tend to have better navigational abilities. If you want something that responds to voice commands, offers powerful suction, includes mopping and a self-emptying dock, and stands out for its navigation system, look in this price range. The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2, the Roborock Qrevo Series Robot Vacuum and Mop QV35A, the Narwal Freo X10 Pro, the Shark AV2501AE AI Robot Vacuum and the Eufy Robot Vacuum/Mop E25 are in this price range.
From $800 to $2,000
What would you get for a $2,000 vacuum cleaner? A refined cleaning experience on all fronts, mostly from better corner and edge performance, wider brushes, more powerful suction, scheduling and zone options, and fully automated multifunctional docks. Some high-end models feature advanced AI object recognition and can even function as pet cams. You may balk at spending this much on a vacuum cleaner, but the savings in time and effort are worth it.
Potential drawbacks of robot vacuum cleaners
Though highly convenient and useful, there are some potential downsides to robotic vacuums that you should be aware of before you buy one.
Price
Robotic vacuum cleaners are generally much more expensive than upright vacuum cleaners. Even a budget robot vacuum can cost as much or more than a high-end upright vacuum cleaner.
The price difference is due, in large part, to convenience: You don’t have to run the vacuum yourself.
It also has to do with the advanced features offered, such as Wi-Fi connectivity, smart mapping and compatibility with a voice assistant.
Jams
Robotic vacuum cleaners can get stuck. Even the smartest models aren’t as smart as you are, and they can jam under couches or get confused in a cluttered room, bringing a cleaning session to a halt. Many high-end robot vacuums feature obstacle avoidance, which helps them navigate around items like cables and furniture legs, but they can still encounter problems on occasion.
In other words, you could come home to an unvacuumed living room and a jammed robot vac that needs some “help” extricating itself from a tight situation.
Less power
Though more powerful than a cordless stick vacuum, robotic vacuum cleaners lack the powerful suction of a traditional upright. You simply can’t get a super deep clean with a robotic vacuum.
We recommend using it often in combination with a traditional vacuum for heavily soiled areas or on dense surfaces like high-pile carpet and even medium-pile carpet.
Tips
- Declutter before you vacuum. Most robotic vacuums can get out of tight spots thanks to their intelligent sensors. While object recognition and AI continue to make robot vacuums smarter about obstacles in their path, it’s always ideal to clear obstacles as much as you can beforehand.
- Place it on the charging dock first. It’s a good idea to fully charge your new robotic vacuum before you put it to work on your floors.
- Read the manual carefully. Although it’s a lot to take in at once, you will appreciate being able to put all the features of your robotic vacuum to use right away.
- Change the filter often. Even a powerful motor and fan can struggle if the internal filter is clogged. It also helps keep allergens to a minimum inside your home.
FAQ
Q. Can a robot vacuum replace an upright vacuum?
A. A robot vacuum is best treated as a maintenance tool that picks up everyday dust, crumbs and pet hair between deeper cleanings. It may miss corners, stairs, thick carpet or debris caught along baseboards, so most homes still need a manual vacuum occasionally.
The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 combines vacuuming and mopping for regular whole-home upkeep. Before buying, consider thresholds, loose cords, and furniture clearance, because the best suction rating will not help if the robot can't reach the rooms you want cleaned. Budget time for brush and dock maintenance too.
Q. Which robot vacuum is a good value?
A. Good mapping and reliable navigation may matter more than a headline suction figure, while mopping is less useful if most rooms are carpeted. The Roborock QV 35A Robot Vacuum and Mop is the price-to-performance choice in this guide.
Compare its dock functions, replacement consumables, and obstacle handling with alternatives at the same price. A lower purchase price is nice, but it loses points if you want convenience and end up emptying a small bin after every run or frequently rescuing the robot from clutter.
Q. What robot vacuum is useful in a home with pets?
A. Pet homes benefit from a brush that resists hair tangles, dependable pickup along edges, and a bin or dock that can handle frequent shedding. The Dreame L50 Ultra uses dual rollers and is the pet-focused choice in this guide.
Look at how easily you can remove and clean the rollers, not just the advertised suction. Toys, food bowls, and pet accidents also make obstacle avoidance important, so pick up risky items before scheduled runs. If you have rugs and hard floors, check how the robot changes cleaning behavior between surfaces.
Q. Are robot vacuum and mop combos worthwhile?
A. A vacuum-mop combo can save time on routine hard-floor cleaning, especially in kitchens and entryways. The Eufy Robot Vacuum/Mop E25 is a solid choice for its mopping roller and carpet detection. That doesn't eliminate maintenance: you still need to manage clean and dirty water, wash or replace mop components, and clear hair from the vacuum parts.
Check whether the machine lifts or avoids its mop on carpets and whether the dock fits your space. For dried-on spills or textured floors, expect to do occasional manual cleaning.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered kitchen, home and lifestyle products for BestReviews since 2017. She has written over 100 articles on household appliances, such as toasters, vacuum sealers, air fryers, vacuum cleaners and more. She tested a wide range of robot vacuums for this guide.
Jmar Gambol has written more than 100 articles for BestReviews, from tech to household appliances to kitchenware. He spent weeks putting numerous robotic vacuums through their paces in his home to find the ones that really make life easier.
