The best robot vacuums we've tested for 2025

This article reviews the best robot vacuums for 2025, offering top picks across various categories based on seven years of testing over 70 models. It highlights how these devices have evolved into comprehensive home robots capable of vacuuming, mopping, and self-cleaning with minimal user intervention.

QUICK TAKEAWAYS

• The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is the top overall pick for its superior vacuuming, sonic mopping, and advanced hands-free features, including 10,000Pa suction.
• Budget-friendly options like the Tapo RV30 Max Plus offer essential features like lidar navigation and auto-empty docks for around $230.
• Advanced features like self-removing mop pads (Dreame X40 Ultra) and superior pet hair cleaning (Roomba Combo 10 Max) cater to specific household needs.
• Key factors for performance include dual rubber roller brushes, high suction power (8,000-10,000Pa+), effective mopping systems, and AI-powered obstacle detection.
• Matter compatibility is expanding, allowing for broader smart home integration and local control of robot vacuums.

KEY POINTS

• Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra: Best overall, featuring dual rubber brushes, 10,000Pa suction, excellent sonic mopping, improved AI obstacle detection, and extensive self-cleaning capabilities.
• Tapo RV30 Max Plus: Best budget choice at $230, providing 5,300Pa suction, lidar navigation, room-specific cleaning, and an auto-empty dock despite shorter battery life.
• Dreame X40 Ultra: Best robot vacuum/mop hybrid, unique for its self-removing and extending mop pads, 12,000Pa suction, and dirt detection, ideal for mixed floor types.
• Roomba Combo 10 Max: Best for pet hair, boasting superior vacuuming with dual rubber rollers, top-notch AI obstacle detection (differentiates pet poop), and a retractable mopping system.

PRACTICAL INSIGHTS

• Prioritize robot vacuums with dual rubber roller brushes for effective debris and pet hair pickup, especially on carpets.
• Look for AI-powered obstacle detection (often camera-based) and lidar mapping for efficient navigation and avoidance of household clutter.
• Self-empty docks, auto-refill mop tanks, and heated mop drying/washing significantly reduce manual intervention, enhancing convenience.
• Ideal battery life is 120-180 minutes to clean an entire house in one run, coupled with "recharge and resume" functionality.
• Suction power, measured in Pascals (Pa), should ideally be over 5,000Pa for effective cleaning of fine dust and debris.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

When selecting a robot vacuum, assess your specific needs:

• For general, hands-free cleaning, consider premium models with advanced self-cleaning features.
• For hard floors and thorough mopping, opt for models with spinning/vibrating mop pads and large water tanks.
• If you have pets or a mix of high-pile carpets and hard floors, choose vacuums with strong suction, dual rubber brushes, and intelligent mop lift or removal capabilities.
• For budget-conscious buyers, focus on essential features like lidar mapping and an auto-empty dock, understanding potential trade-offs in battery life or advanced obstacle avoidance.
• Utilize Matter-compatible devices for seamless integration into your smart home ecosystem and control via various voice assistants.