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the best robot vacuums we ve tested As robot vacuums evolve, they are becoming indispensable household companions, capable of performing complex cleaning tasks with minimal human intervention.

the best robot vacuums we ve tested

Introduction to Robot Vacuums

Robot vacuums have come a long way from their initial utilitarian designs. With advancements in battery technology and artificial intelligence, these devices now offer enhanced cleaning capabilities, allowing them to vacuum, mop, and even self-clean. Over the past seven years, I have tested over 70 different models, gaining insights into their performance, features, and suitability for various household needs. This article presents my top picks for 2025, along with options tailored for specific requirements such as mopping and pet hair removal.

Best Robot Vacuum

Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra

Score: 9

Pros: Excellent vacuuming performance, good sonic mopping, extendable side brush for corners, very good app.
Cons: Dock is visually unappealing, mopping tray can be cumbersome to clean, expensive.

Where to Buy: $1,699.99 at Amazon, $1,799.99 at Best Buy, $1,799.99 at Kohl’s.

The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra stands out as the best overall robot vacuum for its impressive cleaning capabilities. With dual rubber roller brushes and a suction power of 10,000Pa, it excels on carpets and hard floors alike. Its sonic mopping feature, which vibrates the mop pad 4,000 times a minute, effectively scrubs surfaces, making it particularly adept at tackling tough stains.

One of its most significant advantages is its hands-free operation. The S8 MaxV Ultra can empty its dustbin, refill its mop tank, and even clean and dry its mop pads autonomously. Users need only to fill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank weekly, along with changing the dust bag every couple of months. For an additional $100, a model with a Refill & Drainage System can be purchased, allowing for direct plumbing into the home’s water supply, further enhancing convenience.

Roborock’s AI-powered obstacle detection is another highlight, allowing the vacuum to navigate around household clutter effectively. While it may not match the precision of Roomba’s detection system, it significantly reduces the chances of getting stuck. The mobile app is user-friendly and packed with features, enabling users to customize cleaning schedules and areas easily.

Best Budget Robot Vacuum

Tapo RV30 Max Plus

Score: 8

Pros: Affordable with auto-empty dock, dual mop and dustbin, room-specific cleaning, carpet boost.
Cons: Short battery life, slow to recharge, basic obstacle detection.

Where to Buy: $329.99 at TP-Link, $299.99 at Amazon.

The Tapo RV30 Max Plus offers an impressive array of features for a budget-friendly price. Priced around $300, it includes room-specific cleaning, multiple suction levels, and smart lidar-based navigation. The auto-empty dock is a standout feature, allowing users to avoid frequent bin emptying, a common inconvenience with lower-priced models.

While the RV30 Max Plus performs well on hard floors, it struggles slightly on carpets due to its single bristle/rubber brush design. However, its 5,200Pa suction power is commendable for its price range, effectively picking up larger debris. The mopping function is decent, with a wide mop pad and a 300ml tank that provides adequate surface cleaning.

The accompanying app is straightforward, allowing users to set virtual walls and no-go zones easily. However, the vacuum lacks advanced obstacle detection, requiring users to tidy up before each cleaning session to prevent it from getting stuck on cables or small items.

Best Mopping Robot Vacuum for Hard Floors

Narwal Freo X Ultra

Score: 8

Pros: Exceptional mopping capabilities, quiet operation, large water tanks.
Cons: Middling obstacle avoidance, cumbersome app, large charging dock.

Where to Buy: $899.99 at Amazon, $699.99 at Narwal.

The Narwal Freo X Ultra is a top contender for those seeking a dedicated mopping robot. Its spinning triangular mop pads rotate at 180RPM, providing effective cleaning on hard floors. The dual four-liter water tanks allow for extended cleaning sessions without frequent refills, making it a practical choice for larger homes.

Innovative features such as dirt sense technology enable the robot to analyze the dirt level in the water and prompt it to remop as necessary. Additionally, it adapts the pressure of its mop based on the type of flooring, ensuring optimal cleaning results.

Despite its strengths, the Narwal Freo X Ultra has limitations in obstacle detection, often struggling with small items like cables. The accompanying app can be challenging to navigate, making it difficult to access all features. However, for households with extensive hard flooring, its mopping capabilities are unmatched.

Best Robot Vacuum / Mop Hybrid

Dreame X40 Ultra

Score: 8

Pros: Self-removing mop pads, effective cleaning under edges, self-cleaning washboard.
Cons: Middling AI obstacle detection, app can be unreliable.

Where to Buy: $1,199.99 at Dreame, $699.99 at Amazon.

The Dreame X40 Ultra excels as a robot vacuum and mop hybrid. Its ability to automatically remove and reattach mop pads allows for seamless transitions between vacuuming and mopping, making it an excellent choice for homes with mixed flooring types. The dual oscillating mop pads are more effective than many competitors, ensuring thorough cleaning.

While it boasts a powerful 12,000Pa suction, its single roller rubber brush design means it may not perform as well on carpets compared to models with dual brushes. The app experience can be hit or miss, often crashing or taking time to load, which can be frustrating for users.

Despite these drawbacks, the Dreame X40 Ultra’s innovative features, such as AI-powered dirt detection and the ability to clean its washboard, make it a strong contender in the hybrid category.

Best Midrange Robot Vacuum / Mop

Eufy X10 Pro Omni

Score: 7

Pros: Good AI-powered obstacle detection, effective mopping, excellent value.
Cons: Lower suction power, some navigation issues.

Where to Buy: $799.99 at Amazon, $499.99 at Eufy.

The Eufy X10 Pro Omni combines features from its predecessors, offering a multifunction auto-empty, wash, and fill dock. With 8,000Pa suction and oscillating dual spinning brushes, it provides a solid cleaning experience, though it may not match the performance of higher-end models.

Its mopping capabilities are impressive, effectively tackling dried stains with significant downward pressure. The app is user-friendly, allowing for room-specific cleaning and customization options. However, the single rubber/bristle brush design may limit its effectiveness on carpets, and occasional navigation issues can hinder performance.

Despite these limitations, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni represents excellent value for those seeking a versatile robot vacuum and mop combination without breaking the bank.

Other Robot Vacuums to Consider

While the models highlighted above are among the best in their respective categories, several other options are worth considering based on specific needs:

iRobot Roomba j7+: Known for its advanced obstacle detection and reliable cleaning performance, it is an excellent choice for pet owners.
Neato D8: Offers a unique D-shape design that allows it to clean corners effectively, making it ideal for homes with lots of edges.
Shark AI Ultra: Features advanced navigation and a self-emptying base, providing a hands-free cleaning experience.

Conclusion

As robot vacuums continue to evolve, they offer increasingly sophisticated cleaning solutions for a variety of household needs. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly option, a dedicated mopping robot, or a versatile hybrid, there are numerous choices available in 2025. Each model has its strengths and weaknesses, so it’s essential to consider your specific cleaning requirements and preferences when making a decision.

Source: Original report