Best robot vacuums 2024: sit back and relax while your robo-vac deals with dust

eufy Clean Robotic Vacuum X8 Pro being tested in writer's home
(Image credit: Future)

Some people love vacuuming, and we are not those people: we love robot vacuums because they take care of the chores so we can spend our time on more entertaining options. And of course, robot vacuums aren't just great time savers. They're also really valuable helpers for people with mobility issues and for anyone who'd like some help keeping their home nice and clean.

The big difference between the very best robot vacuum cleaners and the best vacuum cleaners or cordless vacuums is that you don't need to do very much: once you've set them up they're almost entirely automatic, especially when they have object and obstacle detection to ensure they don't get stuck on or under things. Many models can learn the best times to clean and can create their routines automatically. Even the cheapest models can be controlled with a phone finger or a command to your smart speaker. 

This is a very fast-moving area of technology, and that means the best robot vacuums on sale today are even smarter and more powerful than the top models from previous years. Intense competition means that robot vacuum prices are getting lower and lower, so what used to cost an eye-watering amount of money is now available for a surprisingly low price. 

Robot vacuum cleaners aren't all the same, though. Some sit lower than others, so they're better at cleaning under your furniture. Some are better suited to hard floors, and others will happily and automatically vacuum carpets. Some can even mop floors without soaking your favorite rug.

This guide will take you through the ten best robo-vacs you can buy today. Our reviewers have tested these models for at least three weeks in real homes, testing them on real-world tasks such as spilled cereal and sugar – and for models that can mop, we've put them up against the ultimate enemy: sauce. While we've graded each robo-vac on its cleaning performance, we've also considered other essential factors: how long they can run before recharge, how long recharging takes, and how well they can map and navigate your spaces. Only the best robot vacuums have made it into this guide, so if you're looking for the best robot vacuum cleaner, read on.

The quick list

This is the short version of our picks for the top ten robot vacuums you can buy. Our more in-depth analysis further down the page will give you a closer look at why you should or shouldn't buy each robot vacuum. That way, you can feel confident in your final decision.

The best robot vacuums we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

We're on a mission here at Top Ten Reviews to review everything we featured in our buyer's guide, which is the case in this guide. We've had hands-on with every robot vacuum for at least three weeks, and only the 'best' have made it into our shortlist.

The best robot vacuum overall

The best robot vacuum overall

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.6 gallons
Self-emptying?:
Max runtime: 120-180 minutes
Noise:
Dimensions:
Weight: 10.3 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Self-emptying and self-cleaning
+
Easy to set up and use
+
Thorough cleaning and mopping

Reasons to avoid

-
Large footprint
-
No extra dustbag or mop heads provided
Buy it if

✅ You value function and performance above style: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni has obstacle avoidance technology, LiDAR sensors, and 8,000 Pa suction.
✅ You want easy, hands-free cleaning and mopping: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is easy to use with its self-emptying dust bin and self-cleaning mops.
✅ You want a robot vacuum that can handle multiple rooms and surfaces: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni app allows multiple room maps, custom cleaning scenarios, and no-go zones.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a small home: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni requires plenty of space for the base unit and the clearance space you'll need on either side and in front of the robot.
You want something more stylish or a different color: It won't win any style awards and is only available in black.

The bottom line

🔎 The Eufy X10 Pro Omni offers advanced technology, including obstacle avoidance and LiDAR navigation sensors. It also has a self-emptying dust bin, self-cleaning mops, and multiple room mapping. However, it's a bulky unit suitable only for larger homes and comes only in black. ★★★★½

The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is a smart and advanced robot vacuum and mop combo with impressive features such as obstacle avoidance and LiDAR navigation sensors. It offers hands-free cleaning, multiple room mapping, and self-cleaning mops, making it a reliable and time-saving device.

Features: The Eufy X10 Pro Omni is encased in matte black plastic. Weighing on the heavier side, it needs 1.6 feet of clearance space on either side and 4.9 feet to the front of the unit. The robot has three manual buttons at the front and a camera on top, and the base station comprises a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, and a disposable dust bag. You can easily remove the pentagonal mops from the underside. 

Performance: The vacuum's AI camera has an algorithm for real-time obstacle avoidance, which can identify and avoid over 100 obstacles. LiDAR navigation sensors help it create maps and routes around your home. The Eufy detects obstacles extremely well, leaving no chance for bashing and smashing, and it copes well with different types of flooring, including thick pile rugs. The rotating brush at one side of the robot helps sweep crumbs and dust under the unit, while the pentagonal dual mop pads can get fairly well into corners and edges.

With 180 rotations per minute and 2.2 lbs of downward pressure, the mops do great at freshening up surfaces and mopping away spillages. The app is easy to use and allows you to remotely control the robot vacuum and mop. The Omni station provides hands-free cleaning, from emptying the onboard dustbin to washing and drying the mops, leaving zero mess for you.

Value: The X10 Pro Omni is a smart, reliable robot vacuum and mop combo with an amazing 8,000Pa suction. It retails at $799.99, is user-friendly, and incorporates artificial intelligence and automation. However, the price could have included some replacement mop heads and dustbags.

Read more: Eufy X10 Pro Omni review

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Test results
AttributeNotesScore
Price & availabilityVery resonably priced for the technology and functionality, especially compared to premium robot vacuum and mop combos.★★★★½
DesignThe base unit is quite bulky and plain but the robot unit features attractive curved edge and a sleek, low profile.★★★½
PerformancePacked with features that work, this is the best robot vacuum and mop combo we've ever tested.★★★★★

The best robot vacuum for runtime

The best robot vacuum for runtime

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.7L
Self-emptying?: No
Max runtime: 300 minutes
Noise: 60-75dB
Dimensions: H3.9 x W12.7 x L13.2"
Weight: 3.6lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Helpful HEPA filter
+
Long battery
+
Capable and competent performer

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Climbs furniture
-
App could be more streamlined
Buy it if

✅ You’re an allergy sufferer: The Neato D10 has a HEPA filter that captures up to 99.97% of allergens, fine dust particles, and microbes as small as 0.3 microns.
✅ You want a thorough clean: Dust, small debris, and human hair are no problem for this Neato vacuum, as it performed competently in all our tests. Max mode is particularly powerful.
✅ You live a busy life: With directions from the app, this robot vacuum can start a scheduled clean when you’re busy doing other things, such as cooking or driving home from work.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have lots of expensive furniture: The Neato D10 gets confused with low-lying furniture, such as lamp bases, and tries to climb them, which could potentially scratch the surfaces.
You want a streamlined app: The app could be slightly more streamlined, so it may take a while for first-time users to get the hang of it.
❌ You’re looking for a budget vacuum: While it isn't an extremely expensive vacuum, cheaper vacuum cleaners are available with fewer features and smart capabilities.

The bottom line

🔎 The Neato D10 robot vacuum is an all-rounder, featuring a handy HEPA filter for allergy suffers, excellent mapping capabilities, and the power and performance you would expect from only the best vacuum ★★★★½

The Neato D10 robot vacuum has a 300-minute battery life, making it a top choice for cleaning big homes. Add in three powerful cleaning modes, and you’re onto a winner.

Features: The robot vacuum’s HEPA filter captures 99.97% of allergens and fine dust particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a great choice for allergies. Three cleaning modes make it easy to use and simple to transfer between different floors. Eco mode is ideal for hard surfaces, Turbo mode is best for carpets, and Max mode is for when you want the most powerful clean possible.

The innovative D-shape allows for better reach into corners, and the lack of buttons makes the vacuum look sleek and uncluttered. A charging dock is provided; the battery lasts an impressive 300 minutes but gets used quickly on powerful modes. Like other Neato models, you can set up different zones via the MyNeato app, which is great if you have areas you don't want to be cleaned.

The app also has multi-zone cleaning, where you can customize up to 16 areas and choose the exact cleaning functions you want for each spot.

Performance: During our tests, the robot successfully created floor plans and kept out of the no-go zones, although it sometimes tried to climb lamp bases. It competently dealt with dust, larger debris, and hair. Max mode used 24% of the battery in a 39-minute session, which was more than expected.

Reviews are generally positive, but some users mention issues with WiFi connectivity and Neato's support.

Value: Listed at $599.99, the Neato D10 is more premium than affordable. However, it makes sense because of its great performance, power, and smart mapping capabilities. Two extra filters are included, which minimizes maintenance costs.

User reviews: The robot vacuum has received high praise from Amazon users for its impressive cleaning capabilities. Many users have commended its ability to navigate around furniture and effectively cover large areas. Its efficient pet hair pick-up and dust collection have also been appreciated by users, and the D10's software and app interface have been well-received for their user-friendly design. However, some users have reported issues related to battery life and customer service.

Read more: Neato D10 review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesImpressive HEPA filter and a long battery life.★★★★
PerformanceCleans hair, dust and debris confidently but climbs low furniture.★★★★
ValueSlightly more premium but well worth the $599.99.★★★★★

The best budget robot vacuum

The best budget robot vacuum

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.36L
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 150 minutes
Noise: 70-85dB
Dimensions: H3.7 x W13.3 x L13.3"
Weight: 37.9lbs (whole unit)

Reasons to buy

+
Self cleaning design
+
Mop function
+
Battery life is better than described

Reasons to avoid

-
Poor navigation skills
-
Could damage obstacles
-
Mop leaves rug edges damp
Buy it if

✅ You want a hands-free vacuum: You won’t have to waste time emptying the vacuum yourself.
✅ Versatility is important: This vacuum can handle hard and soft floors.
✅ You’re prepared to intervene: You may need to take charge and make some basic amendments to the app.

Don't buy it if:

❌You have delicate furniture: The robot vacuum’s navigation skills are sometimes questionable.
❌You often deal with big messes: Bigger messes were simply pushed further around the room.
❌You like a sophisticated app: The Yeedi Cube’s compatible app is lacking.

The bottom line

🔎 The Yeedi Cube can easily mop and vacuum up light messes, making it a nice budget-friendly option, but the app and mapping abilities fall slightly short of expectations ★★★★

The Yeedi Cube is more than satisfactory for light messes. Its design is self-cleaning, but the mopping function is underwhelming.

Features: The Yeedi Cube has a long list of useful features. First, it's self-cleaning, equipped with an auto-emptying base station. Second, it has mopping and vacuum functions, which are a dream for homes with many hard floors. Third, it has smart features, including app compatibility and mapping features.

The base strangely lacks a water tank on the vacuum itself. However, the vacuum slots nicely into the docking station, which is small and easy to tuck out of sight. 

Performance: The navigation system can learn obstacles and routes, although it’s not the most capable and may require some human intervention. Sometimes, the vacuum will bump into objects or start cleaning the wrong area, but these can be considered teething issues.

The mop function is also slightly underwhelming for big tasks, often pushing messes further into the kitchen. During our tests, the vacuum consistently performed well on both hard floors and rugs, vacuuming up oats and white rice easily even when it wasn't on maximum power.

The robot vacuum claims to have 150 minutes of battery life, but in testing, the battery lasted over 210 minutes in the normal vacuum mode, more than expected.

Value: The Yeedi Cube has a list price of $699.99 and was released in September 2023. This is fairly expensive, but the self-emptying and mopping features often cost more than other robot vacuum models.

User reviews: Amazon users are satisfied with the robot vacuum's affordable pricing and cleaning performance. The device's slim design is especially appreciated for its ability to access hard-to-reach spots, and users also commend its quiet operation and user-friendly app.

However, some reviews mention issues with navigation, stating that the device occasionally gets stuck or misses areas. A few users have also noted that the small dustbin requires frequent emptying. While the battery life is adequate, it is not exceptional.

Read more: Yeedi Cube review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesSelf cleaning is just one premium feature.★★★★
PerformancePerforms well but may try cleaning the wrong areas.★★★
ValueOn the expensive side but cheaper than similar models.★★★★

The best premium robot vacuum

The best premium robot vacuum

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.2L + 2.5L
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 90 minutes
Noise: 74dB
Dimensions: H5.3 x W12 x L12.5"
Weight: 9.7lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Has the latest AI technology
+
3D sensor detects obstacles
+
Runs a live video stream

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't fit under low furniture
-
The app isn't very intuitive
Buy it if

✅ You want a hands-free experience: With AI technology to adjust the suction power and a self-emptying bin, you don’t have to lift a finger if you don’t want to. Just let the vacuum do its thing.
✅ You’re happy to pay for the best: This Samsung model features some of the latest tech and smart features, so it's no surprise that it costs over $1,000.
✅ You have pets: While the robot vacuum isn’t specifically designed for pets, it easily sucked up dog and cat hair during our testing, making it a good pick for pet-friendly households.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re looking for a budget vacuum: The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ is not your basic budget robot vacuum, so you'll need to look elsewhere for a minimalistic model.
❌ You have lots of low-lying furniture: Due to the vacuum being five inches tall, it won’t be able to reach under low-lying furniture, leaving areas of your home unclean if they feature low-lying furniture such as TV stands or very low coffee tables.
❌ You don’t care for the best tech: One of the best parts about owning this robot vacuum is that you can monitor the live video stream or control your vacuum from an app.

The bottom line

🔎 The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum goes above and beyond with AI technology, excellent navigation, and an automatic emptying system for no-nonsense cleaning. It's well worth the premium price ★★★★

If you want the best of the best technology for your robot vacuum, the Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum likely has it. There’s very little this premium robot vacuum can’t do; it has a self-emptying system and flawless navigation skills, and on top of that, it captures a live video stream.

Features: The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum can be left to its own devices as the automated technology adjusts its settings for carpet and hard floors. The 3D sensor helps it avoid bumping into obstacles. If you're lazy, activate the vacuum from the app or use voice assistants such as Alexa or Google.

The charging station is also convenient, as it is self-emptying. The battery life lasts only 1.5 hours and takes 3.5 hours to recharge fully, which is faster than other robot vacuums. The battery life is quite short, but considering what it can do, it’s easy to make an exception.

The 3D sensors can map out rooms and obstacles, and the multiple filters ensure your home gets clean. However, because the vacuum is five inches tall and 12 inches in diameter, it struggles to reach underneath low furniture. This mainly poses an issue if you have many low-lying coffee tables or TV stands.

Performance: The Samsung robot vacuum outperformed all other robot vacuums we’ve reviewed during tests. It dealt with pet hair with no issues but often had to return to the dock to empty itself due to the small dustbin size. Occasionally, it got stuck on rugs or door corners, but user reviews say it quickly freed itself and updated its route.

Value: The Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot is not for the budget-conscious. With many premium features and the latest AI technology, its RRP is a steep $1,299.99. However, it lives up to expectations, cleaning with an accuracy that is hard to beat.

User reviews: Amazon users have praised the robot vacuum for its advanced AI, which enables it to navigate efficiently and avoid obstacles. Users are impressed by its powerful suction and ability to clean various floor types, including carpets. The robot's ability to self-clean and empty its own dust bin is a standout feature.

However, some users have reported connectivity issues with the app and occasional difficulties with mapping. Some people consider the price point to be high.

Read more: Samsung Jet Bot AI+ Robot Vacuum review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesPacks in all the best and latest technology.★★★★★
PerformanceAlmost flawless performance, only getting stuck occasionally.★★★★
ValueA premium price point out of the reach of most.★★★★

The best robot vacuum for pet hair

The best robot vacuum for pet hair

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.4 + 2.5L
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 180 minutes
Noise: 61dB
Dimensions: 13.9 x 13.9 x 3.9"
Weight: 11.9lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent mapping and sensors
+
Self-emptying system is efficient
+
Vacuums and mops
+
Powerful suction

Reasons to avoid

-
Mopping isn’t great
-
Manual no-go zones needed to prevent mopping carpets
Buy it if

✅ You're a pet owner: The X8 Pro is an excellent choice as it can easily handle pet fur and dander with its twin turbine suction and intelligent mapping system.
✅ You want something efficient: The robot vacuum is powerful and efficient, with many special features.
✅ You prefer a self-emptying system: The X8 Pro includes a large self-emptying system that lasts up to 60 days.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You need a good mopping mode: The mop attachment cannot automatically detect carpets, and manual no-go zones are required.
❌ Your house has a lot of spills: The X8 Pro is not recommended for cleaning spills or sticky messes, and it may miss some spots.
You want it to run at night: It's
still noisy despite the whisper-quiet claims.

The bottom line

🔎 The eufy X8 Pro robotic vacuum is ideal for pet owners due to its powerful cleaning capabilities, using intelligent mapping, sensors, and a self-emptying system to clean your home. However, its mop attachment cannot detect carpets, and manual no-go zones are required ★★★★½

The eufy X8 Pro robotic vacuum is a great choice for pet owners as it can easily handle fur and dander. It uses intelligent mapping, sensors, and a large self-emptying system to keep your home clean and includes a mop attachment for additional cleaning.

However, the mop attachment cannot automatically detect carpets, and manual no-go zones are required. The twin turbine suction provides powerful cleaning even on carpets, and the X8 has a bag installed, which they claim lasts up to 60 days for a 3-person household with no pets, up to 45 days with one pet, and up to 30 days with two pets.

Features: The robot vacuum has twin turbines and three sensors to prevent it from falling off stairs. The base is small and can be set to return to charge automatically, and a single charge is enough to clean an apartment, even with mopping. The water tank for mopping is removable, but draining it can be tricky. The mopping feature is best for keeping the kitchen floor clean but not for major stains.

It can clean dried mud without smearing, but it's not recommended for spills or sticky messes. It also doesn't recognize carpet, so it's better to use it as a vacuum without the mop. The water tank notifies you when running low and has three water levels.

Performance: The X8 Pro vacuum cleaner is a powerful and efficient device. It features a detangling comb that keeps the brush organized, a 20mm climbing height that makes it easy to navigate different surfaces, and a No-Mop zone feature for cleaning without making a mess.

Although the BoostIQ setting does not always work as well as expected, the vacuum is still highly effective at removing oats, flour, porcelain shards, and dog hair from carpets and hard floors. While it may miss some spots, it is an excellent quick and easy cleaning option.

Value: The Eufy X8 Pro costs $649.99, while a newer version, the Eufy X9 Pro, costs $899.99 and features intelligent mopping that lifts it away from the carpet, unlike the X8.

User reviews: The robot vacuum has received positive reviews from Amazon users, who appreciate its strong suction power, efficient pet hair removal, and excellent performance on hard floors. The robot's app and mapping process is also praised for user-friendliness, and the self-emptying station is a standout feature. However, some users have pointed out that the robot is a bit too tall, which restricts its ability to reach certain areas.

Read more: eufy Clean X8 Pro review

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Test results
AttributeNotesRating
FeaturesNoisy and heavy but great hair removal and looks good★★★★
PerformanceGreat mapping and obstacle avoidance, good for picking up hair and general maintenance cleaning★★★★
ValueNot easily available, mid-range price on offer★★★

The best self-cleaning robot vacuum/mop combo

The best self-cleaning robot vacuum/mop combo

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.48 litres
Self-emptying?: No
Max runtime: 3 hours
Dimensions: 13.8 x 13.8 x 4.1 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Five cleaning modes, three vacuum power modes, and three moisture levels
+
Dirt Sense technology for optimal cleaning results
+
Base station acts as a water supply hub, mopping cleaning station, and charging dock

Reasons to avoid

-
May not be suitable for smaller homes
-
Can only store a single map
-
May not be as effective in capturing dust in corners or finer debris
Buy it if

✅ You want convenience: The base station charges the robot vacuum and also acts as a water supply hub and auto-cleaning station for the mop pads.
✅ You need customizable cleaning: You can set it up to clean when you're away from home and choose to have it focus on specific areas or avoid certain spaces.
✅ You value innovation: The robot vacuum has five cleaning modes, three vacuum power modes, and three moisture levels.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: The vacuum is relatively expensive compared to other robot vacuums and mops.
❌ You need multiple maps: This option may not be suitable for those with multiple floors or who frequently rearrange their furniture.
You have no patience for navigation issues: Some users have reported issues with the robot's navigation, particularly around power cords.

The bottom line

🔎 The Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop is an innovative cleaning machine with advanced technology and easy maintenance. Although it is pricey and struggles with some fine debris and navigation issues, it is a great performer overall and has received positive feedback from users ★★★★½

The Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop is a great option for those who want a hands-off experience when cleaning their homes. The Freo Mode and Dirt Sense technology make cleaning easy, and the robot vacuum is versatile with five cleaning modes, three vacuum power modes, and three moisture levels.

However, it may not be suitable for smaller homes as it occupies considerable space. It's also only available in white and still struggles with some things like very fine debris and corners.

Features: The Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop is a cute and innovative cleaning machine.  The base station acts as a water supply hub, mopping cleaning station, and charging dock for the robot vacuum. The robot's Dirt Sense technology intelligently gauges the dirt level on the mops. It initiates optimal cleaning results, and the Narwal app allows you to customize the cleaning preferences, schedules, and settings. However, it can only store a single map, making it unsuitable for homes with multiple floors.

Performance: The Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is an impressive cleaning machine with advanced technology and easy maintenance. Its Freo Mode is a standout feature that intelligently ensures optimal efficiency and comprehensive cleaning. While it may not be as effective in capturing dust in corners or finer debris, it still does a great job overall.

We were impressed with how easy it was to use and maintain and with the notifications it provided when it was time to dispose of dirty water or replace the mop.

Value: The Narwal Freo Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo may be pricey, but it could be worth it for the convenience of the base station that auto-cleans the mops. Although users have to empty the dustbin manually, it's still a great performer when vacuuming and mopping. Other options are cheaper, but Narwal Freo's aesthetic design is hard to beat.

User reviews: Amazon users have given the robot vacuum positive feedback for its quiet operation, effective mopping, and innovative features. These features include self-washing and self-drying mop pads and the ability to differentiate between mopping and vacuuming tasks.

The robot also has DirtSense technology, which helps it detect areas that need more attention during cleaning. Its aesthetically pleasing design is appreciated by users, but some have reported issues with the robot's navigation, particularly around power cords.

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Test results
AttributeNotesScore
Price & availabilityPrice is high but makes sense for its features. ★★★★
DesignCute design with effective cleaning features such as Freo Mode and an impressive app.★★★★½
PerformanceEffective hands on or off vacuuming and mopping with minor issues. ★★★★½

The best Roomba robot vacuum

The best Roomba robot vacuum

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.4L
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 180 minutes
Dimensions: H3.4 x W13.3 x L13.3"
Weight: 7.4lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Vacuums and mops
+
Differentiates between hard floors and carpet
+
Good obstacle avoidance

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy and bulky design
-
Problems with mapping
-
Mopping is just okay
Buy it if

✅ You have a mix of hard floors and carpet: It can differentiate between carpeted and hard floors.
✅ You have a smart home setup: Connecting to Google Home or setting up schedules within the iRobot app is easy.
✅ You need good object avoidance: This is a great choice for those who want a hands-off cleaning experience.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You're on a budget: The Combo j7+'s price is driven by self-emptying and auto-mopping capability.
❌ You live in a small, more cluttered home: This device is heavy and bulky, making it less able to navigate around things.
You want a mopping superstar: The mopping functionality is limited.

The bottom line

🔎 The Roomba Combo j7+ is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop that excels at obstacle avoidance and can differentiate between hard floors and carpets. Although mapping its layout can be tricky, it accurately detects obstacles and navigates around them. The mopping functionality is effective for surface-level grime on hard floors ★★★★

The Roomba Combo j7+ is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop sporting DRI (Dry Rug Intelligence) to lift the mop pad away from carpets, preventing wet messes. With its 4-Stage Cleaning System and iRobot OS, it can easily recognize and avoid obstacles and learn your home's cleaning routine over time.

The j7+ is also compatible with Google and Alexa and features a Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal that empties its bin for up to 60 days.

Features: The Roomba Combo j7+ excels at obstacle avoidance, and its ability to differentiate between hard floors and carpets, adjusting modes accordingly, is a big selling point. However, mapping its layout can be a mixed bag, and it may take a few runs before it knows its way around. Fortunately, the device allows you to view and edit the map via the app, and it accurately detects where obstacles are and navigates around them. Connecting to an existing smart system is easy, and scheduling cleaning is simple.

Performance: The vacuum can perform limited jobs in specific rooms, providing an estimated time frame for completion. During our tests, the vacuum picked up small and larger debris without leaving any mess behind. The mopping functionality is also quite effective, with a dedicated water tank and water level shown within the app. Although it's not as good as traditional mopping, it does an adequate job of cleaning surface-level grime from hard floors.

Value: The Roomba Combo J7+ is priced at $999.99 on the iRobot website, with frequent sales on Amazon and other retailers. It offers self-emptying and auto-mopping capability, which results in a higher price tag.

User reviews: The robot vacuum has received many positive reviews on Amazon, with users praising its strong suction, advanced navigation, and ability to avoid obstacles, including pet waste. The feature of automatic dirt disposal is widely appreciated, as it reduces the need for frequent manual cleaning.

The Roomba j7+ Combo is compatible with the iRobot Home app and can be controlled through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant. However, some users have reported issues with mapping and connectivity, and a few mention that the robot struggles with dark rugs or transitions between different floor types. 

Read more: Roomba Combo j7+ review

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Test results
AttributeNotesRating
FeaturesHeavy, noisy, but no hair wrap and self-emptying★★★★
PerformanceVacuums well, good AI, smart home compatibility, spotty mapping★★★★
ValueWidely available; expensive★★★★

The best robot vacuum and mop

The best robot vacuum and mop

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.42L + 4L
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 145 minutes
Noise: 70-80dB
Dimensions: 21.5 x 20.7 x 15.6 inches (base), 12.2 x 3.5 x 13.9 inches (vacuum)
Weight: 34.1lbs (whole unit)

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful debris pick-up on both vacuums
+
Effective auto-emptying, self-cleaning base station
+
Excellent mopping functionality
+
Feature-rich app

Reasons to avoid

-
Bulky base station
-
Mediocre navigation
-
$100 extra for stick vacuum functionality
Buy it if

✅ You want multi-functionality: This option is more than just a robot vacuum. It's a mop, a handheld, and you can even use it as a home security camera.
✅ You want hands-free cleaning: The handheld bit will stay in its holder most of the time because mop and vacuum are very effective.
✅ You like a sophisticated app: The Ecovacs Home app is feature-rich and full of customizations for the robot vacuum. 

Don't buy it if:

❌ You already have a great handheld vacuum: The Deebot X2 Combo is expensive, and there’s no reason to pay a premium for a feature you don’t need. 
❌ You live in a smaller home: The Deebot X2 Combo does a decent job of compacting its dimensions. But it takes up much floor space and will stick out in smaller rooms. 
❌You want the best navigation: This robot vacuum is full of sensors and does an okay job navigating furniture and other obstacles, but rivals do it better.

The bottom line

🔎 The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo is expensive but reliable with mopping and a handheld vacuum for the bits the mop can't handle. Pickup is excellent for both robot and handheld, although the robot's navigation could be better. ★★★★

The Deebot X2 Combo is an innovative robot vacuum, handheld vacuum, and base station by a veteran in the industry, Ecovacs. This combination of devices should make all your home vacuuming and mopping needs a breeze. 

Features: The Deebot X2 Combo is, without a doubt, a large setup, measuring 21.5 x 20.7 x 15.6 inches. You get a robot vacuum, handheld vacuum, and feature-rich base station, and it mops too. There's a True Detect 3D sensor, solid-state LIDAR, carpet detection, and anti-drop and anti-collision sensors. There's even a built-in camera you can use for home security. It's both app- and voice-controlled.

Performance: We encountered annoying navigation problems, but the robot vacuuming and mopping were impressive. After cleaning, floors were left sparkling, with light debris, coffee, and muddy drops gone. The robot vacuum was very impressive with its pick-up performance, but the price you pay for that is rather a loud operation when it's using the self-emptying feature.

Value: The Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo is an extremely pricey robot vacuum, retailing for $1,599.99. However, this setup includes two vacuums and an excellent base station. Ecovacs even included three extra dust bags, so you won’t need to worry about purchasing those for a while. And if you want to turn the handheld into a stick, that's another $100.

User reviews: The Deebot X2 Combo has four out of five stars based on nearly 17,000 user reviews. Like us, users were impressed by the cleaning performance but encountered navigation issues; despite all those sensors, some users found that their bots got stuck on cables and loose clothing. Noise was mentioned by quite a few users, but most felt that it was worth paying for the cleaning performance.

Read more: Ecovacs Deebot X2 Combo review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSleek, bulky setup with a self-emptying, auto-cleaning base station, an average-size robot vacuum featuring an excess of sensors and great mops, and a well-built, powerful handheld vacuum. ★★★★1/2
PerformanceRobot vacuum handles light debris and spills with ease though navigation is mediocre. The handheld vacuum offers powerful suction of messes, while the base station makes your life easier. ★★★★
ValueAstronomically priced feature-rich setup, Ecovacs charges $100 extra for stick vacuum functionality on the handheld.★★★

The best robot vacuum for corners

Roborock S7 being tested in writer's home

(Image credit: Future)
The best robot vacuum for corners

Specifications

Bin capacity: 0.47L
Self-emptying?: No
Max runtime: 180 minutes
Dimensions: H4 x W14 x L14"
Weight: 9.9lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Great suction
+
Deals with all floor types
+
Attractive, low-key design

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacklustre mop function
-
Expensive
-
Quite noisy
Buy it if

✅ Corners have always been an issue: The S7 is incredibly good at catching dirt and debris in the corner of the room, something which many vacuums fail at; its LiDAR sensor helps with that.
✅ You want a versatile vacuum: The S7 is multi-talented, easily dealing with hard floors and carpets and transitioning between the two floor types, making it ideal for a multi-surface home.
✅You want the best smart features: This premium robot vacuum has various helpful smart features, including voice activation, app compatibility, and great mapping.

Don't buy it if:

❌ Mopping is key for you: On vinyl and slate tile flooring, the S7 left a damp trail and struggled to remove muddy footprints, proving its mop function isn’t the best.
❌ You’re very noise sensitive: The S7 is quite noisy, drowning out background noise such as the TV or radio and interrupting other activities such as reading or talking on the phone.
❌ You have a strict budget: At $1,197, the Roborock S7 is a premium robot vacuum with a range of top-end features, so it’s quite an investment.

The bottom line

🔎 The Roborock S7 sometimes struggles with mopping, but the smart vacuum excels at everything else, including cleaning corners, hardwood, and carpet using a LiDAR sensor and sticking to orders, no-go zones, and scheduled cleans ★★★★

Corners and all floor types are no problem for the versatile Roborock S7, which takes different floors, such as carpet and hardwood, in its stride, transitioning smoothly between the two.  Plus, it has an impressive battery life for such a high-powered model, all contained by a pretty streamlined and sleek design.

Features: The Roborock S7 excels with smart controls such as customizable options in the app and a LiDAR sensor to ensure no stone or corner is left unturned. The robot vacuum can take orders through voice control, another smart feature. Creating no-go zones and scheduling cleans takes the hard work out of cleaning.

Black and glossy, the model also looks good. A spiralized brush roll easily picks up debris, dust, and dirt. Plus, there’s a sonic mopping function to deal with hard floors; it’ll detect when it’s near carpets and avoid soaking them.

Performance: While powerful, the Roborock S7's mop function is disappointing. The mop struggles to eradicate quite small stains for a robot vacuum on the expensive side. On vinyl and large slate tiles, the S7 left a damp trail and could not eradicate light, muddy shoe prints. The LiDAR sensor worked well during the tests by keeping the vacuum tight to the room's edges but not close enough to cause scratches.

If you shy away from louder appliances, you may want to consider an alternative model in our guide to the best robot vacuums, such as the Yeedi k650 featured above, as this one is a little on the loud side. 

Value: At an RRP of $1,197, the Roborock S7 is a more premium robot vacuum. As you'd expect, it packs a lot of features, including a mop function, app compatibility, and a high-quality design. The mop function isn’t quite as capable as we’d hoped, which is disappointing.

User reviews: Amazon users generally receive positive feedback from the robot vacuum due to its strong suction power, effective mopping capabilities, and user-friendly app.

The sonic mop feature vibrates to scrub away marks and is particularly praised for leaving floors clean. Still, some users have reported that it struggles with pet hair on carpets and has high recurring costs due to many parts needing frequent cleaning. While the robot's design allows it to fit under most furniture, its width may hinder movement through tight spaces. 

Read more: Roborock S7 review

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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesSleek design with a helpful LiDAR sensor.★★★★
PerformanceLoud but works effectively until you try the mop function.★★★★
ValuePremium price with a disappointing mop function.★★★

The best compact robot vacuum

The best compact robot vacuum

Specifications

Bin capacity: 4 litres
Self-emptying?: Yes
Max runtime: 100 minutes
Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 3.6 inches (vacuum); 10.3 x 8.3 x 12.7 inches (base)

Reasons to buy

+
Great for picking up fine dust and lint
+
Handles pet hair well
+
Empties its bin automatically
+
Sleek and modern design

Reasons to avoid

-
Gets caught on rugs with tassels and cables
-
Might not be convenient for smaller living spaces
Buy it if

✅ You need strong suction: Its strong suction power of 2500Pa makes it ideal for picking up fine dust and pet hair.
✅ You live in a smaller space: The robot vacuum is compact and easy to maneuver, making it a great choice for smaller apartments and tight spaces.
✅ Auto-emptying is attractive: The auto-emptying feature is a great touch and makes cleaning hassle-free.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You already have a great vacuum: However, it struggles with some cleaning aspects and is not as effective as a traditional vacuum.
❌ You have a lot of rugs: It's not suitable for larger homes as it may get caught on rugs with tassels and cables that can't be moved out of the way.
You need a mop: The mop's function is less effective and is more for general cleaning purposes.

The bottom line

🔎 The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ is great for picking up dust and pet hair but struggles with some aspects of vacuuming. It has a sleek design, auto-emptying feature, and good edge cleaning, but it can get caught on rugs and cables ★★★½

The SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ is a decent little machine for picking up fine dust and lint. It's perfect for those with larger homes and pets, as it can handle pet hair well and empties its bin automatically. Still, it struggles with some aspects of vacuuming and can't replace a traditional vacuum. It also gets caught on rugs with tassels and cables that can't be moved out of the way, and it's not convenient for smaller living spaces.

Features: We were impressed with the sleek, modern design of both the vac and the hub and how they blended nicely with the testing home's white hardwood floors. The auto-emptying feature was a great touch, although our reviewer did find it quite loud, and the opaque white bag inside the base station made it difficult to tell when it needed to be emptied. While the SwitchBot is a clever piece of kit, our tester concluded they'd prefer to be in charge of cleaning themselves.

Performance: The SwitchBot K10+ is a decent robot vacuum for everyday cleaning. It's great at picking up dust, lint, and short hair, but bigger messes like crumbs or dropped glass might not be picked up completely. The vacuum is easy to maintain and clean, and the edge sweeping brush is very good at getting into corners, but the robot does get caught on rugs and cables. The mop function is not as good and is more for general cleaning. 

Value: The K10+ is a decent option at $499.99, although it's limited in mopping capabilities. If you want a more thorough clean, the Yeedi Mop Station Pro is a good choice at $799.99, but the SwitchBot is a more affordable option for pet owners who just need a basic vacuum. The eufy X8 Pro is also an option at $649.99, but it's not great for heavy-duty cleaning. If money is no object, the iRobot Roomba Combo® j7+ is the ultimate luxury robot vacuum at $999.99.

User reviews: Amazon users highly praise the robot vacuum for its compact size, which makes it ideal for smaller apartments and tight spaces. It boasts a strong suction power of 2500Pa and an impressive battery life of over 100 minutes.

Users appreciate its ability to auto-empty its dustbin and its top-notch navigation system. The device performs exceptionally well in edge cleaning tests, removing 100% of debris by weight. However, its mopping function is basic, and the robot cannot vacuum and mop simultaneously.

Read more: SwitchBot Mini Robot Vacuum K10+ review

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Test results
AttributeNotesScore
Price & availability$500 via SwitchBot US and Amazon only.★★★½
DesignClever compact design, some flawed elements. ★★★½
PerformanceUltra quiet, but often misses debris and gets caught easily.★★★½

How we test the best robot vacuums

We're proud to say that all of the robot vacuum cleaners featured in this guide have been tested by one of our experts. We give the robot vacuum a run for its money for a minimum of three weeks, allowing enough time for it to map the floorplan of our own homes before challenging it with a concoction of cereals and other daily debris.

Voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant can also control several robot vacuums. Where this is the case, we ensure that we hook up the robot to the voice assistant so we can see just how effective hands-free vacuuming can be.

Other factors that we look for include the battery run-time and charge-time. We test this by determining how long it takes for the battery to charge before its first use and then how long it takes to charge up again before it heads out on its maiden voyage. 

We then take everything we've learned about the robot vacuum and compare it to its price to see if it offers the best value for money.

Read more about how we test.

How to choose the best robot vacuum for you

While many robot vacuums feature similar core functionality, certain models have specific specialisms, so we advise you to make sure that you know exactly what you need from your cleaning helper before you press pay. 

Floor-type: The best robot vacuum cleaners have added features for different types of floors. So the first thing you consider is your cleaning needs. Do you require a robot to run over hard floors, carpets, or both? Do you need a vacuum to tackle pet hair or spills and stains, too? 

Run time: Similarly, different models have different run times, meaning some will take their time cleaning your house top to bottom for up to three hours, while others can whiz around a room for 45 minutes before running out of steam (or battery power, rather). They’ll return to their docking station to recharge, so make sure you have a suitable space to put its base, too. When selecting the best robot vacuum for you, pick one that will last the length of your home, be it a small studio apartment or an open-plan townhouse. 

Additional needs: Robot vacuums will clean your floors, but they won’t cover stairs or soft furnishings. While they won’t plunge to their doom thanks to automatic drop detection tech, they can only span flat surfaces. So, a robot vacuum might not be your best bet if you want a multi-use vacuum to clean your car, couch, or baseboard. Instead, we’d suggest investing in a traditional manual vacuum cleaner. 

Robot vacuum FAQs

Are robot vacuums worth it?

The answer is yes, depending on a few things. First, it depends on whether you have pets. If you do, a robot vacuum is worth it. Pet owners know that vacuuming and dusting regularly can keep pet hair under control for the most part. Still, no one likes to vacuum more than once a day or to follow their pet around with a vacuum cleaner – the only way to keep your home pristine if you have heavy shedders. Even the fairly mediocre robot vacuums we tried did a good job of keeping pet hair at bay. 

Second, it depends on where you plan to use it. Even our favorite robot vacuum cleaners struggled with carpeting. However, they were amazing on hardwood flooring. A robot vacuum is a great investment if you have a lot of hardwood flooring.

Third, it depends on how you plan to use it. These machines have improved and improved over the years. We’ve been testing them, but they do not replace a human being with a broom and a mop. They can keep your place tidy between deep cleanings, though, especially if you have pets, as mentioned above.

Are robot vacuums good for wood floors?

You don't have to worry about robot vacuum cleaners on your hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring is their specialty, and the brushes are not stiff enough to scratch. We tested them on flooring in a 103-year-old home, and the floors looked great afterward – not a scratch on them. 

There was some chatter online about how early robot vacuums could scrape hardwood flooring with their front wheel. Still, we have never had a problem, even after testing for hundreds of hours with multiple models from many manufacturers.