I'm a robot vacuum cleaner convert – and these are the 6 models I rate for effortless hands-free cleaning
I tested top models from Eufy, Shark, Dyson and more
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This guide to the best robot vacuum cleaners was written by Ideal Home's Certified Expert for Vacuums, Lauren Bradbury, with contributions from our appliances editors and product testers.
Demand for hands-free cleaning is on the rise, and the best robot vacuum cleaners and robot mop combos are becoming increasingly popular. And while years ago I shrugged them off as a gimmick, I'm now a fully-fledged convert who can't get enough of them.
Myself and my team of testers have spent hundreds of hours testing the best robot vacuum cleaners out there, assessing everything from ease of use, navigation skills, overall cleaning power, obstacle avoidance and more to break down the jargon and help you choose the best option for you and your home. These are my top picks.
Quick list
Short on time but still want to choose the best robot vacuum cleaner? This quick list will give you a brief overview of each of my top-rated models, with more information just a scroll away.
Best robot vacuum cleaner overall
This Eufy offering is my top-rated model, as it'll suit any home or floor type. The 20,000Pa of suction makes it one of the most powerful models we've tested, and the rotating brush rollers (coupled with the cleaning solution provided) result in the ultimate all-around clean. The handy docking station means it's very hands-off, too.
Best budget robot vacuum cleaner
If your budget is a little tighter, or you're looking for an entry-level robot vacuum cleaner and mop to ease you into the hands-free world, I'd recommend the Hoover HG2 Turbo Slim Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner. It doesn't come with a docking station, so the bin capacity is smaller, but it's still plenty powerful, and the mopping power proved to be effective during testing.
Best robot vacuum for mopping
Do you have a lot of hard flooring in your home? This Roborock model excels on the mopping front, thanks to the dual rotating mop pads and the large clean and dirty water tanks. And while it's still effective on carpet thanks to its 10,000Pa of suction power, it truly thrives on hard floors. The app also allows for a lot of cleaning customisation - just be warned that it's a little overwhelming at first.
Best robot vacuum for spot cleaning
Dyson's newest robot vacuum has been kitted out with impressive AI technology, allowing it to detect stains and hidden dirt for more targeted spot cleaning. Cluttered homes will also benefit from its obstacle detection, which means it can identify (and avoid) over 190 objects. The 18,000Pa of suction power is also above-average - but so is the size and the price.
Best robot vacuum for everyday use
Ridiculously easy to use and convenient for everyday use, this Shark robot vacuum cleaner was made for hands-off, convenient cleaning. The app is simple and effective, and it automatically adjusts suction power depending on cleanliness. However, it doesn't allow for multi-room mapping, which means you may struggle if you have a lot of floors or thresholds in your home.
Best robot vacuum for obstacles
Busy household with lots of toys, shoes and junk on the floor? Then I'd suggest this Samsung robot vacuum cleaner and mop, which uses impressive AI object recognition to steer clear of anything that comes in its way. It also has a steam-powered cleaning station to keep the mop as hygienic as possible - even if the cleaning cycles are quite long.
The best robot vacuum cleaners and mops I've tried and tested
Best robot vacuum cleaner overall
The Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25 seriously impressed me during testing. As such, it's since become the model I use every day in my own home. This is largely due to the 20,000 Pascals (Pa) of suction power, which is well above the industry average of 2,000 - 6,000Pa. In fact, the only robot vacuum we've tested that has surpassed this power is the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, which has a suction power of 22,000Pa.
However, the Eufy E25 isn't just a stand-alone robot vacuum cleaner like the Dyson. It's also a robot vacuum mop, featuring an effective rotating mop roller that provides impressive and hygienic cleaning of hard floors throughout the home.
The dual water tanks (clean and dirty) also ensure that you're only ever cleaning with fresh, clean water, and the 3L dust bag - which you'll need to buy replacements of, sadly - can hold up to 75 days’ worth of debris. Additionally, the docking station utilises heated air to dry the roller mop after use, preventing odour or bacterial build-up. As a result, maintenance is minimal, contributing to the hands-off nature of the robot vacuum cleaner and mop.
And while it's not the cheapest robot vacuum cleaner and mop on this list, it's also nowhere near the most expensive. In fact, for such a well-rounded model, I think it's an extremely affordable price and well worth the investment. But if it's still too much of an investment for you, we have recently tested a new, cheaper Eufy robot vacuum - the Omni C28. It's not as powerful or as effective, but it is more affordable.
Read my full Eufy Robot Vacuum Omni E25 review for more details
Best budget robot vacuum cleaner
If you're looking for an affordable robot vacuum cleaner, the Hoover HG2 Turbo Slim Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner should tick all of your boxes. While I wouldn't recommend it for those who have bought robot vacuum cleaners in the past (although I do think it would make a great second robot vacuum), it's the ideal entry-level model for those looking to dip their toes into the water.
During testing, the 6,000Pa of suction power was more than enough to tackle both the hard flooring and the carpets in my home, and it passed my debris testing assessments with flying colours. Of course, it's never going to be as effective as a robot vacuum with higher suction power, but I found it ideal for quick in-between cleans when I didn't want to use my regular vacuum cleaner or when I was out of the house.
With such an affordable robot vacuum cleaner, though, you're always going to have to make some sacrifices. And while I'm not overly messy or have kids throwing their toys all over the floor, I still found that the Hoover HG2 struggled with the obstacles in my home. Naturally, the buffer bar took most of the hits, but this is something to consider if you have a busy home.
I also found that the navigation system was a bit more higgledy-piggledy than the likes of the Roborock QV 35S Robot Vacuum With Mop - but, ultimately, you can't really expect too much with the super affordable £270 price point.
Read my full Hoover HG2 Turbo Slim Hydro Robot Vacuum Cleaner review for more details
Best robot vacuum for mopping
If you want a deeper clean, opting for a robot vacuum cleaner and mop instead of just a robot vacuum cleaner is a worthwhile investment. And, after testing, I'd say that the Roborock QV 35S Robot Vacuum With Mop is the best model for those with hard flooring. In fact, it excelled when cleaning the downstairs of my home, which is a mixture of wood-effect laminate and kitchen and bathroom tiles.
The navigation system of this particular robot vacuum cleaner was also excellent, offering clear, distinct cleaning lines that were customisable within the app itself. With multi-floor mapping for up to four maps, it'll also suit larger homes or homes with different cleaning requirements.
My only real niggle with this model was that it seemed like a step-up from many of the other robot vacuums I've tested. The app was a little confusing (and a little buggy every so often), and the wide range of cleaning customisation options felt like it suited those who are already familiar with robot vacuums. So, it might not be the best entry-level model. In that case, I'd suggest the Hoover HG2.
Nevertheless, I can't deny that the Roborock QV 35S left my floors much cleaner than they were before I used it. And the shape and size of the docking station mean it's a lot sleeker than some of the other models on this list.
Read my full Roborock QV 35S Robot Vacuum With Mop review for more details
Best robot vacuum cleaner for spot cleaning
It's been a few years since Dyson first launched their older robot vacuum cleaner, the 360 Vis Nav - and it's fair to say that this new model is a huge improvement. Not only does this new robot vacuum now offer mopping functionalities, but it's also equipped with advanced AI technology to aid cleaning and navigation.
This model is currently being tested by our Senior Digital Editor, Jenny, in her busy family home - and she's been impressed by its cleaning ability, especially when it comes to stubborn stains. She says, 'What stood out for me with the Dyson Spot + Scrub AI is that it actually scrubs my floors properly rather than just giving them a once-over, using its wet-roller to go back over tougher marks until they're virtually gone (bar a few more stubborn marks).'
The 18,000Pa of suction power puts it almost at the same level as our top-rated model, the Eufy Omni E25, and Jenny has found that it can easily pick up everyday crumbs and debris in a single pass. Plus, the obstacle avoidance has been able to detect (and traverse) the toys and everyday objects in its path.
However, the Dyson Spot+Scrub isn't perfect. It's at the seriously expensive end of the spectrum, and it'll primarily suit larger homes due to the fact that both bot itself and the docking station are extremely big and bulky.
Jenny has also noted that the app can be a little buggy and difficult to use, so if you definitely need an easy-to-use robot vacuum, I'd suggest opting for the Shark PowerDetect NeverChange model instead as it's a doddle to navigate.
Our full Dyson Spot+Scrub AI Robot Vacuum Cleaner review will be coming soon.
Best robot vacuum cleaner for everyday use
I'm a huge fan of the best Shark vacuum cleaners, and the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch is another model to add to that list. In fact, it's like the hands-free, robot version of the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which has been crowned our number one model.
While Shark hasn't shared the official Pa suction power rating for this model, after testing, I'd say that it was comparable to the Roborock QV 35 S - although it's maybe a tad less powerful. It was also one of the easiest robot vacuum cleaners to use in terms of maintenance and the overall app capabilities. You can even give your Shark robot vacuum a shark-related name, which is a nice touch.
One of the features I loved most about this model was the DirtDetect Technology, which automatically adjusts the suction power according to the type of debris it encounters. The fact that it has little wheels that lift it over rugs and small thresholds was also fun (and practical) to watch.
However, the fact that you can only save and store one map is limiting - especially if you have multiple levels and thresholds in your home. During testing, I had to take the Shark robot vacuum mop combo upstairs and let it clean without a set route, which resulted in random cleaning patterns. And while this might not be a dealbreaker for some, I do believe this model would suit those with open-plan homes better.
Read my full Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Robot Vacuum and Mop RV2800YEUK review for more details
Best robot vacuum cleaner for obstacle avoidance
This Samsung robot vacuum cleaner and mop was tested by our tester, Rebecca, a mum of three young children who was eager to see how it would cope with random toys, spare shoes and the everyday chaos of a busy family home. Her take? The AI object detection makes it perfect for obstacle avoidance, which means she doesn't have to tidy up before setting it up to clean.
In terms of power, it has a slightly higher Pa than the Hoover HG2, and Rebecca found the 6,000Pa and the mopping ability to be more than enough to tackle her home. She also appreciated that the 180-minute run time let her clean her entire house in one fell swoop.
The docking station is also decked out with steam power, which means it automatically washes the mop at a high temperature with steam and water to clean any nasties and prevent any bacteria build-up in her family home. Just be warned that this cleaning cycle does take a long time.
This robot vacuum cleaner and mop is also on the expensive end of the spectrum and is extremely big and heavy, so I think it would suit bigger family homes that not only have the space to store it, but would also appreciate such impressive obstacle avoidance.
Read our full Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner review for more details
Robot vacuum comparison at a glance
Model | Price | Suction power | Run time | Charge time |
£899.99 | 20,000Pa | 216 mins (vacuum only), 125 mins (vacuum and mop) | 5-6 hours | |
£269 | 5,000Pa | 160 minutes | 5 hours | |
£699.99 | 10,000Pa | 180 mins | 4 hours | |
£1049.99 | 18,000Pa | 200 mins | 3 hours | |
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch 2-in-1 Self-Empty & Self-Refill Robot Vacuum & Mop | £699.99 | N/A | 110 mins | 4 hours |
Samsung Bespoke Jet Bot Combo AI+ 3-in-1 Robot Vacuum Cleaner | £1300 | 6000Pa | 180 min | 5 hours |
Best of the rest
The Ideal Home team and I have tested countless robot vacuum cleaners and robot vacuum cleaners and mops. So, if one of the options above doesn't quite meet your criteria, these are some other options I'd recommend.
How I tested
We take how we test at Ideal Home very seriously, which is why all of the best robot vacuum cleaners and robot vacuum mops on this list have been through a rigorous testing process before being included.
In the case of this guide, the majority of them were tested by me, Ideal Home's Certified Expert in Vacuums, but some were also tested by my wider testing team. In each case, we focused on assessing the following features:
Unboxing and setting up to assess the eco-friendliness of the packaging, the weight of the box (and its manageability for one person to carry), and the assembly of the robot vacuum cleaner itself. We also ensure that we dissect how easy or hard it is to connect the robot vacuum to the app and perform the initial mapping process.
Ease of use to see what features the robot vacuum cleaner app provides. In most cases, you should be able to customise the cleaning functionalities, set cleaning schedules, and keep an eye on maintenance. Where the app seems complicated, we will explain in detail our issues or concerns. We will also state whether we encountered any bugs.
Performance to assess the pickup power of the robot vacuum, and the mopping power of the best robot vacuum mops. During this stage, we take a look at how it performs during everyday cleaning and through specific debris testing - the same as how we test vacuum cleaners. We also perform an obstacle test, which determines how well the robot vacuum cleaner deals with obstacles in its path, like a dumbbell or a shoe. If it struggles to detect them and bumps into them, they are marked down. Ideally, they should avoid them altogether - as shown below.
Cleaning and maintenance to determine how much hands-on attention the robot vacuum requires. We assess how big the dust capacity is, whether it's bagged or not, and how easy it is to clean.
Online ratings help us understand how other customers feel about the product. If we encounter problems that other customers have, we can determine that there's a genuine issue with the model that may affect the buying decision.
Comparisons with similar models allow us to come to a final star rating, as we can compare them by their price, suction power, ease of use and overall performance. If we feel like another model is better, we will always share this.
How to choose a robot vacuum cleaner
If you're looking to buy a robot vacuum cleaner - whether it be your first one or a replacement for an old one - there are some things to consider first. This includes:
- Robot vacuum vs. robot vacuum mop combo: If you have a mixture of hard flooring and carpets, opting for a robot vacuum cleaner that also mops is well worth the investment. However, it may not be worth it if you largely have carpets and rugs in your home.
- Suction power: Although the average robot vacuum suction power of around 6,000Pa should be more than enough for quick, everyday cleaning, many modern robot vacuum cleaners and mops can offer up to (and sometimes more than) 20,000Pa. These generally come with a higher price tag, but are well worth it if you have a high-traffic house or want to ensure a deep clean.
- Docking station vs. no docking station: Nowadays, many of the best robot vacuums come with docking stations that automatically empty the appliance as soon as it's finished. For robot vacuum mops, it'll likely auto-fill the water and dry the mop out afterwards. This can be extremely handy for hands-free cleaning. However, docking stations do take up a lot of space and can be extremely heavy, so you need to be sure that you have room in your house.
- Multi-floor mapping: While some robot vacuums only allow you to save one map of your home (which is ideal for flats and bungalows but not for larger homes), others let you save multiple maps for multiple rooms and floors. It's worth weighing up how many you'll need before purchasing a robot vacuum.
- Cleaning and app functionalities: Robot vacuums are controlled by apps, which allow you to customise your cleaning settings. It's worth assessing your home environment and figuring out what's important to you. Do you share a home with pets and value suction power and anti-tangle technology? Do you have a busy family home and require better obstacle avoidance? Look at the specs of each model and read write-ups to determine who the model is aimed towards.
FAQs
When is the best time to buy a robot vacuum?
The best robot vacuum cleaners are a game-changer, but there's no denying that they're an investment. Because of this, knowing the best time to buy a robot vacuum can save you some serious money.
And while robot vacuum cleaners are available to buy year-round, they're typically cheaper than ever during huge peak sales events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and smaller events such as Amazon Prime Day. These events typically focus on smart tech and home appliances, meaning you can often grab up to 50% off robot vacuums.
Occasionally, retailers will also offer sporadic deals throughout the year, but if you want to guarantee impressive savings, it's best to wait for these big sales events to invest.
Is it worth buying a robot vacuum cleaner?
The best robot vacuum cleaners and robot vacuum mops offer hands-free cleaning that many people find to be a valuable addition to their cleaning routine. After all, you can set your robot vacuum cleaner to clean your floors while you're at the office, taking the dog for a walk, while you're sleeping, or just while you're watching TV, so you don't have to physically do the work yourself.
There are also various options to choose from, allowing you to opt for a vacuum-only robot vacuum or a robot vacuum mop that also doubles as one of the best mops for wet cleaning your floors. Because of this, they are hugely popular - and becoming even more popular as the technology advances.
However, it's essential to note that using a robot vacuum will never completely replace the use of a vacuum cleaner, as these appliances cannot access smaller nooks and crannies. It may be that you can just get away with having one of the best handheld vacuums to hand, though.
What are the negatives of robot vacuums?
The biggest negative of a robot vacuum cleaner is the price, as you can spend up to £1,000 for a high-quality, powerful robot vacuum cleaner. Of course, you can buy cheaper robot vacuum cleaners for around £300, but you will have to sacrifice cleaning power and special features for this budget price. Because of this, you need to be certain that you'll use it before shelling out on one.
Another disadvantage is that they're not entirely hands-free. If they get stuck, they'll need saving. If you don't have an auto-empty docking station, you'll need to empty it. And if you have one of the best robot vacuum mops, you'll also need to keep the water tank topped up.
However, the positives of robot vacuum cleaners definitely outweigh the negatives.
What is the life expectancy of a robot vacuum?
Generally, you can expect one of the best robot vacuum cleaners to last anywhere between 4 to 7 years - but the actual number will depend on a few things, including:
- The quality of robot vacuum cleaner you buy. Expensive models from established brands should last longer, while cheaper models from less-established brands will normally not last as long.
- How often you use it. If you use your robot vacuum cleaner multiple times a day in high-traffic areas, you'll find that it won't last as long as someone else who uses it every other day in a quiet home.
- How well you take care of it. If you don't regularly empty your robot vacuum cleaner, clean the filter or follow the other cleaning and maintenance requirements, you'll find that the life expectancy will drop and it may keep stopping during use.
