Ive tested 20+ robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2025
UPDATE: Feb. 22, 2025, 5:00 a.m. EST New flagship robot vacuums from multiple top robot vacuum brands were announced at CES 2025 in January. I'm currently testing the Roborock Saros 10R and Dreame X50 Ultra at home and will update this guide accordingly.
There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task? The best robot vacuums patrol your home to clear away dust, debris, and sometimes even stains on hard floors — no elbow grease required.Though Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they aren't the only good robot vacuums. iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum. But Roombas officially aren't in a league of their own anymore: You can't even Google "Roomba" without a question involving Shark robot vacuums popping up, and other brands like Roborock and Eufy have entered the chat with a fury. And I'm here to put some respect on their names.
I'm regularly testing the top robot vacuums at multiple price points and comparing them to top performers from previous years, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. During the testing of each robot vacuum, I keep notes on their overall suction power and scrubbing efficiency (if it's a hybrid that also mops), self-maintenance features like self-emptying or self-washing mopping pads, smart mapping to specific rooms and navigation around obstacles, and the overall user experience.After all that testing, I've narrowed down your shopping list to five options, all of which I've put to the test personally. Here are the best robot vacuums for every home and budget so far in 2025:(While each vacuum's retail price is listed by default, I've also noted the most common sale price in "The Good" sections. And yes, robot vacuum deals can be found throughout the year — not just during a shopping holiday like Black Friday.)
How we tested
As a senior shopping reporter, I have been testing popular robot vacuums for Mashable in the various apartments I've lived in since 2019—most recently, a three-bedroom apartment where three people and two cats reside. I tested more than 10 top robot vacuums in 2024 and am currently trying the Roborock Saros Z10 and Dreame X50 Ultra at home, both of which were released at CES 2025.Over the course of at least four weeks, each robot vacuum is put through a series of standardized tests that I’ve laid out to exemplify all factors of trusting a robot vacuum in your home on a daily basis. Those tests cover four main pillars of robot vacuum competence:Cleaning thoroughness: To encapsulate the full spectrum of messes a robot vacuum might encounter, each one is sent out to tackle various spills, debris, levels of pet hair, and more on multiple floor types. The vacs that mop perform extra tests on stains and spills.Navigation: A robot vacuum’s ability to get to the right spot in the first place is arguably as important as the cleaning itself. I keep tabs on navigational accuracy when it comes to smart mapping my home, finding specific rooms and zones, and identifying small obstacles.User-friendliness and politeness as a house guest: The ideal robot vacuum will be a relatively seamless addition to your household. Because if it’s loud, an eye sore, or generally a pain to use, you're not going to want it in your house at all.Maintenance: Anyone aiming to avoid manual sweeping may also want to avoid manual upkeep of a vacuum. Many robot vacuums automate their own dust bin emptying, mopping pad washing, and more — the more self-sufficient they are, the better.Finally, I can't not consider the overall bang for your buck for each robot vacuum. Are its features on paper and actual cleaning competence worth the price tag, and how practical is that cost for the average household?
