written By: Christopher White
Updated on: December 13, 2024
At Vacuum Wars, we purchase every robot vacuum that we review, ensuring that our insights are unbiased and based solely on hands-on testing. These selections come from our in-depth independent evaluations, with a focus on cleaning performance and advanced features like obstacle avoidance and AI, enhanced docking stations, and mopping functionalities.
We also take customer satisfaction scores into account to help you choose a robot vacuum that meets your needs and offers high value for your investment. Our recommendations are updated regularly to reflect the latest evaluation results and industry insights, making it easy to find the best-rated automated vacuum for your home.
Products that have been discontinued or are frequently out of stock are removed from the rankings.
The Roborock Qrevo Curv is Roborock's latest robot vacuum mop combo with innovative features and impressive performance. It excels in debris pickup and carpet cleaning with its tangle-resistant DuoDivide brush, as well as mopping with advanced spinning pads. Maintenance tasks are efficiently automated by its multifunctional dock. With remarkable navigation and coverage, it topped Vacuum Wars' top 20 list, offering compelling value despite average airflow, crevice performance, and a premium price. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 5.0 Stars (738 pts.)
| Features: 5.0 | Performance: 5.0 |
| Mopping: 4.3 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.1 |
| Pet Rating: 4.9 | Battery Life: 4.9 |
| Navigation: 4.9 |
Who is it for: Users who don't mind paying a premium for efficient cleaning and impressive performance.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock Qrevo Slim is a low-profile robot vacuum and mop designed to clean under furniture with ease, and as one of Roborock's newest releases, it immediately earned a position in our top 20 list due to its excellent performance and top-notch features. The DuoRoller brush and powerful 11,000 Pa suction ensure thorough cleaning, while the dual spinning mops lift over carpets and adjust water flow for optimal mopping. It features advanced navigation to identify and avoid obstacles, and the Multifunctional Dock 3.0 handles tasks like mop washing, warm air drying, auto tank refilling, and dust emptying. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.6 Stars (699pts)
| Features: 4.8 | Performance: 4.8 |
| Mopping: 4.3 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.7 |
| Pet Rating: 4.9 | Battery Life: 4.2 |
| Navigation: 4.1 |
Who is it for: Those who need a powerful robot vacuum mop combo that excels at cleaning under furniture, efficient obstacle avoidance and navigation, providing advanced edge cleaning and hands-free maintenance.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Dreame L40 Ultra provides advanced cleaning with up to a month of hands-free operation, achieving perfect debris pick-up in tests. It empties into a 60-day bin, refills water for 30 days, and cleans and dries its mop pad after each session. With Intelligent PowerDetect technologies like DirtDetect and StainDetect, it targets hidden dirt and stains, adjusting to floor types. NeverStuck technology and 360° LiDAR enable precise obstacle navigation, and it lifts the mop pad over carpets. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.5 Stars (682 pts)
| Features: 4.9 | Performance: 4.7 |
| Mopping: 4.4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.7 |
| Pet Rating: 4.7 | Battery Life: 4.7 |
| Navigation: 4.6 |
Who is it for: Perfect for those seeking an advanced, hands-free robot vacuum mop combo that offers excellent debris pickup, intelligent floor adjustments, and minimal maintenance.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Narwal Freo Z Ultra robot vacuum mop combo features advanced AI navigation and powerful cleaning. Equipped with dual HD cameras and dual-chip AI, it identifies and avoids over 120 obstacle types for safe cleaning. Its 12,000Pa suction handles dirt and pet hair; EdgeSwing cleans to walls, and a module tackles baseboard dust. Dual rotating mop heads apply 1.2 kg force at 180 RPM to remove stubborn stains. The docking station offers hands-free use, with self-cleaning and drying for mops, keeping it hygienic for up to 120 days.
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.4 Stars (668 pts.)
| Features: 4.6 | Performance: 4.7 |
| Mopping: 4.2 | Obstacle Avoidance: 5 |
| Pet Rating: 5 | Battery Life: 4.2 |
| Navigation: 4.1 |
Who is it for: Those wanting a powerful robot vacuum mop combo with advanced navigation, great obstacle avoidance, and hands-free cleaning, especially for pet hair, deep stains, and long-term hygiene.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock Qrevo Master is an advanced robot vacuum mop combo offering high-end features at a more affordable price. It excels in debris pickup using side brushes and a dual brush roller with floating housing. Its mopping system features adjustable water flow, a FlexiArm Mop for edge cleaning, and automatic mop pad lifting to avoid wetting carpets. The automated station empties the dustbin, washes and dries mop pads with hot water and air, refills the mop tank, and monitors water dirtiness. Navigation is enhanced by LiDAR, a front camera, and a 3D sensor for efficient cleaning. The feature-rich app includes virtual barriers, zone cleaning, and scheduling. While its airflow and suction are less impressive, it remains a worthy investment. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.3 Stars (665 pts.)
| Features: 5 | Performance: 4.5 |
| Mopping: 4.5 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.6 |
| Pet Rating: 3.4 | Battery Life: 4.3 |
| Navigation: 4.2 |
Who is it for: Those seeking an advanced robot vacuum mop combo with strong debris pickup, efficient navigation, and hands-free maintenance, particularly for users valuing smart app features and carpet protection.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum Mop Combo is a feature-rich, affordable flagship that excels in vacuuming and mopping, offering high-end features found in pricier models. Its dual spinning mop pads exert nearly 2 pounds of pressure to remove tough stains and lift 12 mm over carpets to prevent wetting. The Edge Hugging feature cleans close to walls. The dock empties the dustbin, washes, dries, and refills mop pads and tank for hands-off use. Equipped with AI.See obstacle avoidance, it detects over 100 obstacles. LiDAR provides efficient mapping. Exceptional on carpets, especially deep-cleaning embedded debris like sand. The app is feature-rich but it was somewhat buggy at the time of our testing. Despite minor issues, it offers exceptional value rivaling more expensive models. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.3 Stars (663 pts.)
| Features: 4.4 | Performance: 4.9 |
| Mopping: 3.6 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.7 |
| Pet Rating: 4.7 | Battery Life: 4 |
| Navigation: 3.8 |
Who is it for: Those looking for a mid-price robot vacuum mop combo with high-end cleaning features, hands-free maintenance, advanced obstacle avoidance, and excellent carpet performance.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Yeedi M12 Pro+ is an affordable flagship robot vacuum mop combo. It boasts 11,000Pa suction and an anti-hair tangle system for effective debris pickup. Its mopping uses dual spinning pads with electronic water control and an extending pad enhancing edge coverage by 98%. The Omni station empties the dustbin, washes and dries mop pads, refills the tank, and features 3.4-liter water tanks. Navigation uses LIDAR and 3D sensors. Battery life is up to 180 minutes. Deep carpet cleaning is below average, and users report app stability issues. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.3 Stars (659 pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4.6 |
| Mopping: 4.2 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4 |
| Pet Rating: 4.5 | Battery Life: 3.9 |
| Navigation: 4.5 |
Who is it for: Those seeking an affordable robot vacuum mop combo with strong suction, effective debris pickup, advanced edge mopping, and hands-free maintenance.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Ecovacs T30S robot vacuum offers flagship features at a mid-range price. With 11,000 Pa suction, it excels on hard floors and carpets. Its Omni station provides hot water mop washing, automatic refilling, hot air drying, and a removable tray. Adaptive edge mopping enhances corner cleaning, and it lifts mop pads over carpets—though the lift height could improve on longer carpets. Swift navigation, obstacle avoidance, and robust app features like virtual barriers and multi-level mapping enhance usability. It underperforms in deep carpet cleaning, crevice tests, hair removal, and has below-average battery life on high settings. Overall, it's a cost-effective floor care solution with minor drawbacks. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.2 Stars (655pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4,7 |
| Mopping: 4.2 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.3 |
| Pet Rating: 4.2 | Battery Life: 4.1 |
| Navigation: 4 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a mid-priced robot vacuum with flagship features, including strong suction, advanced mopping, excellent obstacle avoidance, and robust app control.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is an advanced robot vacuum mop combo featuring the upgraded RockDock Ultra docking station, which uniquely offers an automated refill and drainage system not available in other versions. The dock empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop pad with hot water and air, refills the water tank, and includes an auto detergent dispenser—minimizing manual maintenance. It provides 10,000 Pa suction, a VibraRise 3.0 mopping system with dual lifting pads to avoid wetting carpets, and a FlexiArm side brush for edge cleaning. Intelligent navigation uses PreciSense LiDAR and a front camera for Reactive 3D Obstacle Avoidance, enabling pet care features like targeted cleaning, monitoring, and video calls via the app.
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.2 Stars (647 pts.)
| Features: 4.9 | Performance: 4.4 |
| Mopping: 4.2 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4 |
| Pet Rating: 4.1 | Battery Life: 4.5 |
| Navigation: 4.4 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a powerful robot vacuum mop combo with an automated refill and drainage system, minimal manual maintenance, advanced navigation, and unique features like pet care, targeted cleaning.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra is a premium robot vacuum mop combo with advanced features. It offers 10,000 Pa suction, dual brush rollers, floating brush housing, and an auto-extending FlexiArm side brush for effective debris pickup. The VibraRise 3.0 mopping system lifts vibrating pads up to 20 mm to avoid wetting carpets and includes a spinning module for edge mopping. Its upgraded all-in-one docking station automates maintenance by emptying the dustbin, washing and drying mop pads with hot water and air, refilling the water tank, dispensing detergent, and initiating extra cleaning cycles if needed. A front-mounted camera provides intelligent Reactive 3D obstacle avoidance, PreciSense LiDAR navigation, and pet features like monitoring and video calls via the app. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.1 Stars (646 pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4.5 |
| Mopping: 4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.4 |
| Pet Rating: 4.3 | Battery Life: 3.9 |
| Navigation: 3.6 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a premium robot vacuum mop combo with powerful suction, advanced mopping, intelligent obstacle avoidance, a highly automated docking station, and pet-friendly features.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock Qrevo S is a budget-friendly robot vacuum and mop combo with many premium features. Its 7,000 Pa suction effectively cleans hard floors and carpets, excelling in surface and crevice tests. Dual spinning mop pads lift when carpets are detected. The docking station offers auto-emptying, refilling, and drying but lacks hot water wash and the Flexi arm of pricier models. Compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Home for hands-free control. It navigates using top-mounted LiDAR; obstacle avoidance is via 3D structured light without a camera. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4.1 Stars (641 pts.)
| Features: 4.5 | Performance: 4.7 |
| Mopping: 4.1 | Obstacle Avoidance: 2.8 |
| Pet Rating: 3.7 | Battery Life: 4.2 |
| Navigation: 4.1 |
Who is it for: Budget-conscious users seeking a robot vacuum mop combo with strong suction, efficient cleaning, and smart features, offering hands-free control and solid navigation.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Eufy Omni S1 Pro features a sleek design and a unique spinning roller mopping system that excels at removing dried-on stains and handling large wet spills without streaking. It offers advanced navigation with internal LiDAR and top-tier obstacle avoidance using active binocular infrared imaging. The Uniclean base station automates maintenance by emptying the dustbin, washing and drying the mop pad, refilling the water tank with a proprietary solution, and includes an ozone generator for sanitization. However, it underperforms on carpets, especially in deep cleaning embedded debris, and may struggle with longer pile carpets. The app provides essential features but lacks some advanced options found in competitors. Ideal for homes with hard floors but less suited for significant carpeting. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4 Stars (636 pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4.3 |
| Mopping: 4.4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.9 |
| Pet Rating: 4.4 | Battery Life: 4.3 |
| Navigation: 3.8 |
Who is it for: Users with primarily hard floors seeking a sleek robot vacuum with advanced mopping, automated maintenance, and strong navigation.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum offers powerful 12,000 Pa suction, excelling in carpet deep cleaning and debris pickup on hard floors and carpets. It features a swinging side brush and an automatic extending mop pad for enhanced edge cleaning. The advanced mopping system uses spinning pads to tackle tough stains like dried coffee and grape juice, with mop pads that lift to avoid wetting carpets and can detach when necessary. Its innovative base station empties the dustbin into a 3.2-liter disposable bag, washes and dries mop pads with hot water and air, refills the mop tank, and cleans the bin using a gear-driven system. Advanced obstacle avoidance utilizes cameras, structured light, lasers, and LED lights, achieving near-perfect avoidance scores. With efficient navigation and a user-friendly app, it cleans large areas without interruption. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 4 Stars (628 pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4.4 |
| Mopping: 4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.9 |
| Pet Rating: 4.1 | Battery Life: 4 |
| Navigation: 3.7 |
Who is it for: Users with a a mix of hard floors and carpets seeking powerful, advanced edge cleaning, automated maintenance, superior obstacle avoidance, and pet-friendly features.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock S8+ is a premium robot vacuum ideal for homes with hard floors and carpets. Its advanced VibraRise mopping system applies six Newtons of pressure and vibrates to tackle tough stains like dried juice and coffee; the mop pad lifts on carpets for seamless vacuuming and mopping. It features effective obstacle avoidance with front-mounted 3D structured light sensors and side-mounted lasers. With 6,000 Pa suction, it excels in carpet deep cleaning. Though its battery life is shorter than the Q8 Max Plus's 240 minutes on low power, it performs well on medium and high settings. While lacking mop auto-washing found in higher-end models, its user-friendly app, reliable navigation, and strong cleaning performance make it a well-rounded choice. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.9 Stars (623 pts.)
| Features: 4.4 | Performance: 4.5 |
| Mopping: 3.8 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.1 |
| Pet Rating: 3.9 | Battery Life: 4.1 |
| Navigation: 4 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a premium robot vacuum for both hard floors and carpets, offering strong suction, advanced mopping, effective obstacle avoidance, and reliable navigation, despite lacking auto-washing for the mop.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Dreame L20 Ultra is a premium robot vacuum mop combo, our pick for best robot vacuum of 2023. Its floating anti-tangle brush and single side brush excel in debris pickup on hard floors and carpets, handling pet hair without scattering. The standout dual spinning mopping system, with downward pressure, tackles tough stains effectively. MopExtend technology extends one pad to reach edges, while pads lift 10.5 mm or detach at the dock to protect carpets. The automatic base station features a 3.2L dust bag, mop washing, water refilling, warm-air drying, and a removable tray. Advanced navigation using lidar, AI, and 3D sensors ensures efficient mapping, covering 1,600 square feet per charge. Despite a high price and average crevice and deep-cleaning performance, its robust app features and premium functionality make it a top-tier option for high-end cleaning. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.9 stars (621 pts.)
| Features: 4.6 | Performance: 4.4 |
| Mopping: 4.2 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.6 |
| Pet Rating: 3.6 | Battery Life: 4 |
| Navigation: 3.7 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a top-tier robot vacuum mop combo with excellent pet hair handling, advanced mopping, automated maintenance, and efficient navigation for larger homes.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock Q8 Max+ excels in battery life and efficiency, making it ideal for larger homes. It offers up to 240 minutes of runtime, allowing thorough cleaning without frequent recharges. The Q8 Max+ features robust navigation, accurately mapping and maneuvering through different layouts. It performs well on hard floors and carpets, with a straightforward mopping setup that enhances practicality. These features make it a reliable and attractive option for those seeking an efficient, long-lasting cleaning solution. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.9 Stars (619 pts.)
| Features: 4 | Performance: 4.8 |
| Mopping: 3.3 | Obstacle Avoidance: 3.2 |
| Pet Rating: 3.4 | Battery Life: 4.5 |
| Navigation: 4.5 |
Who is it for: Those with larger homes who need a reliable robot vacuum with excellent battery life, efficient navigation, and practical mopping, offering up to 240 minutes of runtime.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI is an advanced robot vacuum and mop combo featuring laser navigation, impressive obstacle avoidance, and an all-in-one self-maintenance station. It has two spinning mop pads that lift to avoid carpets or detach entirely during carpet cleaning. Strong suction, hot water mop cleaning, and rare steam-based sanitization enhance its performance. Navigation is thorough but can be slow due to lingering. The app includes pet detection and video calls, but it lacks corner-focused side brushes and a dirty water sensor. Despite a high price, it’s a strong choice for homes needing superior obstacle avoidance. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.8 Stars (614 pts.)
| Features: 4.6 | Performance: 4.6 |
| Mopping: 4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.7 |
| Pet Rating: 4.5 | Battery Life: 3.6 |
| Navigation: 3 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a high-end robot vacuum mop combo with superior obstacle avoidance, advanced mopping features, and pet-friendly app functions.
Samsung price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock S8 Pro Ultra is an advanced robot vacuum featuring the VibraRise 2.0 mopping system with dual vibration points for enhanced scrubbing. The mop pad lifts on carpets, allowing seamless mixed-floor cleaning. Its Ultra Dock provides hands-off maintenance by auto-emptying the dustbin, washing and drying the mop pad, and refilling the mop tank. Navigation is efficient, using structured light and infrared sensors for privacy-conscious users. The S8 Pro Ultra has a dual brush roll, but deep carpet cleaning results are average, crevice performance underwhelms, and battery efficiency is reduced, covering up to 1,200 square feet per charge. Despite average carpet results, its superior mopping and navigation make it a top automated floor care option. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.8 Stars (605 pts.)
| Features: 4.6 | Performance: 4.3 |
| Mopping: 4.1 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.1 |
| Pet Rating: 3.5 | Battery Life: 3.9 |
| Navigation: 3.8 |
Who is it for: Users seeking a robot vacuum with advanced mopping, efficient navigation, and minimal maintenance, especially for mixed-floor cleaning.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Roborock Qrevo MaxV is a mid-level robot vacuum with premium features at a more affordable price. With 7,000 Pa suction, it outperforms its predecessor, effectively handling debris on hard floors and carpets. It features dual spinning mop pads, the Flexi Arm for edge cleaning, automatic mop lifting to avoid wet carpets, and a Clean Along Floor Direction feature to minimize streaks. The advanced charging dock empties the dustbin, refills the mop tank, washes mop pads with hot water, uses a dirt sensor, and includes a removable tray. It also features a front-mounted camera for obstacle avoidance and extras like dirty spot recognition and real-time video calls, though obstacle avoidance and navigation speed lag behind expectations. Overall, the Qrevo MaxV's advanced cleaning capabilities and app integration make it a strong option, though owners of the previous Qrevo model may not find significant reasons to upgrade. See Vacuum Wars' full review
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.7 Stars (597 pts.)
| Features: 4.7 | Performance: 4 |
| Mopping: 4.3 | Obstacle Avoidance: 4.1 |
| Pet Rating: 3.6 | Battery Life: 3.9 |
| Navigation: 3.6 |
Who is it for: Those seeking a robot vacuum with premium features like advanced mopping, automated maintenance, and smart app integration.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Shark PowerDetect robot vacuum offers advanced cleaning with a seamless, hands-free experience lasting up to a month. In our tests, it achieved perfect debris pick-up, highlighting its power and efficiency. Its NeverTouch Pro base automatically empties into a 60-day bin, refills its water tank for 30 days, and cleans and dries its mop pad after each session. Featuring five Intelligent PowerDetect technologies, it targets hidden dirt, stubborn stains, and edges while adjusting for floor types. NeverStuck tech keeps the mop pad lifted over carpets, and DirtDetect, StainDetect, and EdgeDetect ensure thorough, targeted cleaning. Navigation is enhanced by 3D sensors and 360° LiDAR for precise obstacle avoidance.
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.7 Stars (596 pts.)
| Features: 4.3 | Performance: 4.5 |
| Mopping: 4 | Obstacle Avoidance: 3.7 |
| Pet Rating: 3 | Battery Life: 3.6 |
| Navigation: 3.1 |
Who is it for: Users seeking a hands-free robot vacuum with powerful debris pick-up, advanced cleaning technologies, and efficient navigation.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
The Ecovacs Deebot N20 Plus earned our budget pick thanks to its excellent performance metrics, including above-average suction, deep carpet cleaning, and impressive pet hair handling. While it includes a mop, its mopping abilities are below average, requiring manual attachment and removal, and it lacks premium features like automatic mop lifting or obstacle avoidance. Despite these trade-offs, the N20's bagless auto-empty bin and exceptional value for its price make it a standout in the budget category.
Vacuum Wars Score: 3.2 Stars (505 pts.)
| Features: 3.8 | Performance: 4.6 |
| Mopping: 3.0 | Obstacle Avoidance: 1.6 |
| Pet Rating: 3.0 | Battery Life: 5.0 |
| Navigation: 4.3 |
Who is it for: Ideal for budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize strong vacuuming performance and pet hair management over advanced features. It’s especially suited for homes with carpets and pets, provided the user is comfortable with some manual upkeep for mopping tasks.
Amazon price as of December 13, 2024
At Vacuum Wars, we are dedicated to providing the most thorough and insightful vacuum cleaner reviews. This commitment is embodied in our detailed and specialized testing methods designed to assess various aspects of vacuum performance, from debris pickup and navigation tests to more complex tasks like obstacle avoidance and battery efficiency. We do not claim that our testing methods are the gold standard, or anywhere near true laboratory tests, but they are our best efforts at honestly and fairly evaluating the relative differences in these products from a consumer advocate perspective.
We have many years of data from doing these tests the same way over and over for hundreds of products, so we can easily spot if a product is much better or much worse than average. Each of these tests is carefully designed to mimic real-life situations that a vacuum might encounter, ensuring that our reviews are both comprehensive and useful to consumers. Here's an in-depth look at our robot vacuum testing methods:
In our suction test, we use a digital gauge to evaluate the real-world robot vacuum suction performance. This test is conducted on max power, with the highest score (in Kpa) recorded.
We measure robot vacuums' airflow using a digital anemometer, which calculates the volume of air passing through the vacuum in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Airflow represents the stream of air moving through the vacuum cleaner, carrying dust and debris from the cleaning surface into the vacuum and through to the dust collection system. Higher airflow indicates that more air is moving through the vacuum, enhancing its ability to carry more particles and larger debris. We typically measure the airflow in all the power settings of the vacuum, though our scores are based on the maximum power setting.
Our robot vacuum navigation tests are conducted in a household-like environment using a consistent floor plan for each robot vacuum tested. We do several runs on different power settings. This allows us to objectively measure and compare the performance of different models across various metrics. We test their efficiency, how many minutes it takes them to cover the area. We also test their overall coverage and if there were any missed areas or if it got stuck on any obstacles.
During the navigation test, we also log the efficiency of the robot vacuum's battery by noting how many battery percentage points are lost for every square meter covered on three different power settings, thus gauging its endurance and practical usability in real-world conditions.
With more advanced robot vacuums, we assess their capabilities as they relate to obstacle avoidance and more advanced navigation technologies:
In evaluating robot vacuum brushes, we have found that the type and number of brushes often improve efficiency and ease of maintenance. We score additional points for:
In addition to an anti-tangle roller, a robot vacuum may also have anti-tangle technology built into the body of the vacuum. We test either or both of these features to assess how well the vacuum manages hair without it tangling in the brush roll. We test this by laying down 1 gram of 7-inch hair and having the robot vacuum do a full run on a 4x4 test area.
In the Surface Debris Pickup Test, we evaluate how well robot vacuums can collect debris on hard floors and carpets at various settings, ranging from fine coffee grounds to larger items like cereal. The effectiveness and aesthetic of the cleaning are crucial, as vacuums must handle everyday messes across different surfaces efficiently.
This test involves applying 100 grams of sand to an area of medium-pile carpet and working it into the fibers to simulate deeply embedded dirt. The robot vacuum is then given a set amount of time to clean the area on its maximum power setting. After vacuuming, the content of the vacuum’s dustbin is weighed to determine the amount of sand collected. We perform this test at least three times to ensure accuracy.
The crevice pickup test evaluates the vacuum's ability to effectively clean debris from crevices in the floor’s surface, such as seams and transitions. We use a specially designed testing surface with crevices of ¼ inch and 1/8 inch depths, and the robot vacuum is run over the area at its highest setting for a set amount of time. A perfect score is awarded to vacuums that collect all the debris from both crevices.
For robot vacuums equipped with mopping capabilities, we evaluate their effectiveness on both dried and wet stains using substances like coffee and grape juice. We employ black lights to detect trace amounts of stains and visually inspect the mopping efficacy. Additional points are given for mopping systems that employ spinning, pressurized, or vibrating mop pads for more efficient mopping. Robot vacuums that lift their mop pads when encountering carpet also receive additional points.
We evaluate the features and effectiveness of a robot vacuum's docking station, awarding points for advanced features that we have verified are effective and helpful. These features can include:
When we have completed our evaluations of a vacuum, we log and track the results. This structured approach enables us to compare the performance of each vacuum against others we have tested within the same category. By doing so, we can tailor our recommendations based on specific criteria such as price category, floor type, and features. This methodical comparison ensures that our vacuum performance testing and recommendations are objectively grounded, providing a consistent, fair, and unbiased framework for our analysis.
Vacuum Wars has made a significant shift towards complete independence by officially adopting a policy of not accepting free products from companies or doing sponsored content. This ensures that all reviews are based on products purchased with our own funds, thereby eliminating potential bias that might come from manufacturer influence.
The best robot vacuums excel in performance, ease of use, and advanced features. They should offer powerful suction, effective navigation and obstacle avoidance, and comprehensive app control. High rankings also come from full-feature docking stations, effective mopping, and hassle-free maintenance.
Yes, many robot vacuums are equipped with mopping capabilities, and this feature in particular is advancing quickly in premium models with features like water controls, pressurized mopping, dirt detection sensors, and more. These can handle light to moderate mopping tasks, making them versatile floor-cleaning solutions.
While robot vacuums are highly effective for maintaining cleanliness between deep cleanings, they might not completely replace the need for a traditional vacuum, especially for deep carpet cleaning or handling large debris. It will depend on the household.
Regular maintenance for robot vacuums includes emptying the dustbin, cleaning the filters, and removing hair or debris from the brushes. Some models come with self-cleaning docks that reduce the frequency of manual maintenance.
The price of top-rated robot vacuums can vary significantly based on features and performance. Premium models with advanced features like mopping and smart home integration can be more expensive, while basic models are more affordable but might lack some advanced functionalities.
Still robot vacuum shopping? Check out our vast section of robot vacuum reviews, comparisons and guides. View additional details on the current Vacuum Wars Best Robot Vacuum. Read our review summary and discover the highlights as well as the pros and cons of each vacuum. Vacuum Wars provides an unbiased, independent evaluation for each (based our our proprietary vacuum testing methods.)
Updated October 22, 2024
Our best robot vacuums under $600 selections are based on Vacuum Wars’ in-depth independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on cleaning efficiency, intelligent sensors, and user-friendly functionalities such as app control and scheduling.
Choosing a robot vacuum in the $1000 range offers a great balance between essential features and premium upgrades. While these models may not have every high-end feature on the market, they come packed with enough advanced technology to make cleaning both thorough and convenient.
We recently developed a new system for testing obstacle avoidance in robot vacuums and retested over 30 of the top models. Here are the ten best performers based on our own independent evaluation.
Finding the best robot vacuum for pet hair can make all the difference in managing pet hair on carpets, tackling hair tangles, and ensuring a cleaner living space. Our latest selections focus on hybrid robot vacuum builds designed to excel in these areas, providing powerful cleaning for pet-friendly households. At Vacuum Wars, we purchase every robot vacuum we review, ensuring that our insights are completely unbiased and based solely on thorough hands-on testing. With this commitment, you can trust our recommendations to help you find the best fit for your home and furry friends.
Vacuum Wars’ definitive guide to the best robot vacuum mop combos of 2024! These selections are based on our own in-depth independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on cleaning performance, advanced mopping functionalities, and feature-rich docking stations.
Our top 5 best budget robot vacuums under $300 selections are based on Vacuum Wars’ in-depth independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on cleaning efficiency, intelligent sensors, and user-friendly functionalities such as app control and scheduling.
