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Are you tired of daily vacuuming and mopping? Do you want to spend less time cleaning up after your kids or pets? You’re not alone in this quest for a cleaner home with less effort. The rise of smart home technology has significantly improved the functionality of robot vacuums. Today’s models are equipped with advanced features such as voice control, obstacle detection, and enhanced automation, making them a wise investment for any household. Many of the leading robot vacuum models also come with mopping functionalities, roller brushes, and even self-emptying bases—all available at various price points. If you’re ready to embrace a hands-off cleaning approach, we’ve compiled a list of the most effective robot vacuum cleaners for 2025 that you might consider.
Best Robot Vacuums 2025
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping, LiDAR navigation | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: No | Self-empty: Yes | Good for pet hair: Yes
Shark’s AI robot vacuum with a self-emptying base is an excellent mid-range choice that packs in essential features. It provides dependable cleaning capabilities, a user-friendly mobile app, and efficient mapping of your home. Unlike many models, it uses a bagless design for its base, eliminating the recurring expense of purchasing bags.
Setting up the Shark is straightforward: simply unpack the unit, plug it in, and download the app to get started. Its Wi-Fi connection allows for remote control, and it also supports voice commands via Google Assistant and Alexa. During its first cleaning session, the Shark conducts an “Explore Run” to create a detailed map of your home, which you can modify directly through the app.
Having tested the Shark in a two-bedroom apartment, I was impressed by the accuracy of its mapping capabilities. The app enables you to label different areas, so you can direct the vacuum to clean specific rooms or set up no-go zones.
The Shark vacuum boasts a generous 120-minute runtime, making it suitable for larger spaces. It operates much more quietly compared to other models, allowing for uninterrupted TV viewing during cleaning. The object detection feature was effective, successfully navigating around larger objects like a cat tunnel, although smaller items were occasionally overlooked.
One of the standout features is its auto-emptied dustbin that efficiently clears itself after each run or as needed during cleaning. The bagless design is a considerable plus, reducing ongoing costs associated with proprietary bags typically required by other brands. Remember, Shark offers several variants with slight differences in capacity and features, so opting for the model with a 60-day clean base is advantageous for less frequent maintenance.
Pros: Strong suction, included bagless self-emptying base, easy-to-use app
Price: $470 at Amazon
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Self-empty: Yes | Good for pet hair: Yes
Read our full Roomba Combo j9+ review
The Roomba Combo j9+ excels as a dual robotic vacuum and mop. It features powerful suction, deep cleaning capabilities, and intelligent obstacle avoidance technology. This model outperforms its predecessor, the Roomba Combo j7+, and introduces a Clean Base that automatically refills its liquid tank. It’s a remarkable asset, particularly for busy families and pet owners concerned about maintaining clean floors without constant oversight.
Although it comes with a premium price tag, the Combo j9+ offers a compelling alternative to hiring professional cleaning services. The intelligent design includes home mapping for fast navigation and customizable settings through the iRobot app, allowing you to define specific cleaning areas. The j9+ also supports requests through voice commands via Amazon and Google smart assistants. While some level of human intervention is still required, it is adept at maintaining overall cleanliness with minimal input.
Pros: Excellent suction, automated mopping, advanced object detection, well-designed clean base
Cons: High price, mopping pad performance could improve
Price: $1,400 at Target
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Auto mopping, obstacle avoidance, home mapping | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Self-empty: Yes | Good for pet hair: Yes
Shark’s PowerDetect 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop is a direct competitor to the iRobot series. It operates slightly differently, deploying its mop pad only when necessary based on the surface being cleaned, which enhances its efficiency.
Upon establishing an initial home map, users can select modes to vacuum, mop, or both sequentially. It performed remarkably well on both hardwood and tile surfaces without getting tangled or encountering obstructions during trials. It is equipped with a base that can hold a month’s worth of debris and 30 days of liquid refills, allowing users to enjoy extended periods without needing to intervene.
Pros: Good suction for vacuuming and mopping, auto-empty and refilling capabilities
Price: $1,200 at Amazon
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: No | Self-empty: No | Good for pet hair: Yes
Dyson released its 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum with a powerful suction performance that rivals traditional vacuum cleaners. Notably, this model lacks mopping and self-emptying features but compensates with exceptional power and navigation capabilities.
The device uses a 360-degree vision system for effective obstacle avoidance and mapping, ensuring a thorough cleaning process without frequent human intervention. However, its inability to empty its bin or mop limits its functionality compared to competitors in similar price ranges.
Price: $1,199 at Dyson
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: No | Self-empty: No | Good for pet hair: Yes
The iRobot Roomba Vac Robot Vacuum is another great affordable choice that delivers satisfactory cleaning performance and integrates seamlessly with the iRobot mobile app. It strikes an excellent balance of features and cost, making it an appealing option for new users.
Pros: Simple design and effective suction
Cons: Limited clearance for low furniture
Price: $130 at Amazon
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping, laser navigation | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: Yes | Self-empty: No | Good for pet hair: Yes
The Eufy RoboVac X8 Hybrid may not be a household name, but its substantial features offer a compelling mid-range choice. While it doesn’t support self-emptying bins, it combines vacuuming and mopping functions effectively, making it useful for homes with various flooring types.
Setup is user-friendly, with accurate mapping and multiple cleaning modes available. The hybrid robot’s quiet operation and impressive cleaning efficiency stand out, enabling it to tackle dirt strategically through manual operation options.
Pros: Vacuuming and mopping capabilities, customizable control settings
Price: $320 at Amazon
Wi-Fi connectivity: Yes | Floor type: All floor types | Features: Obstacle avoidance, home mapping, stick and handheld vacuum accessories included | Assistant support: Alexa/Google Assistant | Mopping capabilities: No | Self-empty: Yes | Good for pet hair: Yes
Read our full Anker Eufy E20 review
The Anker Eufy E20 stands out with its 3-in-1 design combining a robot vacuum with the functionality of both a cordless and handheld vacuum. It performs admirably, maintaining cleanliness while providing an easy transition to manual modes for more difficult tasks.
Undoubtedly, this flexible design allows for effective cleaning across multiple surfaces, though users should note that the physical vacuum features may not offer the same robustness as standalone units.
Pros: Transforms into a manual vacuum, strong performance as a robot vacuum
Cons: Average suction on handheld modes, additional accessories sold separately
Price: $600 at Eufy
What to Look For in a Robot Vacuum
Wi-Fi Connectivity
A critical aspect of modern robot vacuums, Wi-Fi connectivity allows for engagement with a mobile app that enables remote control and scheduling. While some budget models may lack this feature, investing in a Wi-Fi-enabled device enhances convenience and flexibility.
Vacuum Suction
Suction power is a fundamental metric that impacts overall cleaning efficacy. Unfortunately, there isn’t a standardized scale across the industry, making comparisons somewhat challenging. Brands will often use Pascal levels, where higher values typically indicate stronger suction capability.
Floor Type
Consider the types of flooring in your home: carpet, tile, hardwood, or a mix? Robot vacuums with higher suction are more adept at tackling carpets, including deeper cleaning in less accessible areas. Some models include “max” modes that increase power but may reduce battery life.
Mapping Features and Object Detection
Higher-tier robot vacuums come equipped with advanced mapping and object detection capabilities, enhancing their efficiency and safety. Home mapping allows a device to chart your living space, and accurate object detection minimizes the risk of collisions with furniture and obstacles.
Robot Vacuums with Mopping Capabilities
The emergence of robot vacuums that also mop has been a game changer, especially for homes with hard flooring. While this improves overall cleaning efficiency, it involves additional maintenance tasks like filling and emptying the water tank, which remains largely a manual job.
Auto-Empty Station
For optimal convenience, consider models with self-emptying stations. These integrated systems automatically dispose of collected debris, requiring minimal user interaction. Keep in mind, however, that many self-emptying systems may need proprietary bags, contributing to ongoing costs.
Robot Vacuum Maintenance Tips
To maintain peak performance, empty the dustbin after each cleaning cycle. For models without self-emptying features, ensure you detach and clean the bin promptly. To extend the life of your robot vacuum, regularly check and clean the brushes, removing any hair or debris that may accumulate.
Robot vacuums also utilize filters that require periodic replacement. Refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for specifics on how often to replace these essential components, as most cannot be washed and must be procured as new units.
Robot Vacuum FAQs
Are Robot Vacuums Worth It?
Yes! Robot vacuums simplify cleaning routines, allowing owners to focus on other tasks. While they may not match the performance of traditional vacuums, their automated features greatly reduce the workload associated with maintaining a tidy home.
How Long Do Robot Vacuums Last?
With proper care, robot vacuums can have a long lifespan. Following maintenance tips such as regular dustbin emptying and brush cleaning can enhance their longevity.
Do Robot Vacuums Work Better Than Handheld Vacuums?
The answer depends on user preference and intended use. While robot vacuums offer automation, handheld models often possess superior suction and control for targeted cleaning tasks.
How Often Do You Have to Clean a Robot Vacuum?
Routine cleaning of your robot vacuum is minimal but necessary. Monthly checks on brushes and filters, along with dustbin emptying after each use, will ensure smooth functioning.
What Are the Negatives of Robot Vacuums?
Despite their convenience, robot vacuums may lack the power and versatility of full-sized models. They are generally tailored for floor coverage and may struggle with obstacles or detailed cleaning tasks.
Source
www.engadget.com