Best robot vacuum cleaner 2025: hands-free cleaning while you're out

Thanks to huge leaps in robotic tech, today’s best robot vacuum cleaners are way more than just fun little gadgets. These smart machines can map your home with almost eerie precision, suck up dust surprisingly well, and some can even empty their own bins – talk about hands-free cleaning.

That said, even the top robot vacuums aren’t quite ready to replace one of the best cordless vacuum cleaners we've tested. However, when used daily or even a few times a week, they’re fantastic for keeping dust at bay and your floors looking fresh. Our top pick right now is the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, but if you’ve got another model on your wish list, chances are you’ll spot it below too.

Without further ado, here are the best robot vacuums you can buy today, including standouts from eufy, Roborock, EZVIZ, Dyson and more.

WRITTEN BY

WRITTEN BY

Lizzie Wilmot

Lizzie is T3's Home Living Staff Writer, bringing a wealth of knowledge in the world of robot vacuum cleaners. Whilst she’s always had a soft spot for cordless vacs, robot vacuums are gradually winning her over – especially as she tests more and more. That said, she’s a tough critic, so you can count on her to give you the honest scoop before making any purchase.

The top three

Best robot vacuum cleaners 2025

The best robot vacuum overall

A direct upgrade from the S7 MaxV Ultra and a step up from the S8 Pro Ultra, this high-performance robot vacuum boasts impressive specs, including precise LiDAR navigation, powerful suction and an advanced mopping system that automatically lifts the mop when carpet is detected. Its charging station not only empties the bin but also cleans the mop with hot water and dries it with warm air for maximum efficiency.

The S7 MaxV Ultra impressed in nearly every area, except for the somewhat bulky, grainy charging and cleaning dock. In contrast, this model features a much more stylish charging station, complete with a magnetic front panel that conceals a new dust bag system and a fresh floor cleaning solution dispenser. The rest of the dock has also been given a facelift with a smooth frontage that completely hides the two hidden water reservoirs (one for clean water and the other for the dirty stuff). For those who prefer complete integration of their appliances, the S8 MaxV Ultra is also available as a svelte plumbed-in variant that draws water from the mains while pumping dirty mop water down the drain.

The S8 MaxV Ultra is one of the most reliable hybrid robot cleaners we’ve seen, requiring very little intervention aside from changing the dust bag and emptying and filling the dirty and fresh water tanks from time to time. It’s an excellent, albeit pricey, choice for anyone looking for what could well be the ultimate in robot vacuuming tech.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best affordable robot vacuum

As well as its attractive price point, the SwitchBot is just 24.8cm in diameter which is about 9cm smaller than almost all standard robot vacs. This means that the SwitchBot can negotiate tight spaces and corners beyond the scope of standard-sized robot vacs. It really is small when you see it in the flesh and so is the self-emptying docking station – just 32cm in height, 26cm in width and about 40cm in depth with the robot in situ. And yet, despite the dock’s diminutive size its disposable dustbin bag is at least twice the size of any other model we’ve tested – and that means you don’t have to change dust bags as frequently.

Given the size of this titchy thing, you might expect woeful suction power but against all odds it’s not bad at all, even with pet hair. However, it won’t automatically empty its tiny internal bin until a set period of time has elapsed so I would recommend setting this period to its minimum, which is 60 minutes of vacuuming before returning to the dock to empty the bin.

What we haven’t mentioned until now is that this diminutive floor cleaner also mops hard floors. However, mopping involves fitting one of the supplied Swiffer-style mop heads and it’s a bit of a faff it must be said. Yes, it will mop a floor but it won’t do it nearly as well as dedicated mopping models from Roborock or iRobot. We personally consider it more of a novelty than anything else. But hey, it’s there if you need it.

We were perhaps most impressed by this robot’s LiDAR navigation and mapping skills, which are very Roborock like. Once a room has been mapped and the rooms automatically divided, you can customise the map with no-go zones, change room dividers and the names of each room. You can also set cleaning schedules and select from four levels of suction power, from Quiet not Max. However, it doesn’t have the obstacle avoidance expertise of the big players so make sure you don’t have too much clutter on the floor.

If you have a large living space then this probably isn’t the model for you, unless you need a companion for your existing full-sized robot. However, if you have a small abode with a pet or two, and would love to save a few pennies, the SwitchBot comes highly recommended.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best premium robot vacuum

When Eufy launched the Omni S1 Pro, they claimed it was designed to react to situations like a human would. It was a bold statement, but honestly, the results were pretty spot on.

The Eufy Omni S1 Pro is an all-in-one robot vacuum and mop loaded with impressive features. It kicks off strong with a powerful 8,000 Pa suction, and its Uniclean station even includes an LCD screen for manual control. Whilst the price is on the higher side, the premium quality is clear from the get-go.

For mopping, the Omni S1 Pro uses Eco-Clean Ozone technology, which ozonizes fresh tap water to make it more effective at deep cleaning and killing bacteria. Once it’s done, the robot empties the dirty water into a separate tank, dumps solids into a removable tray for cleaning, and dries the mop to prevent bacteria and bad odours from building. The dust is automatically collected into a 2.5-litre disposable bag, which can hold dirt and debris for about two months.

The Omni S1 Pro also boasts a 3D MatrixEye Depth Perception system and TrueCourse Mapping, ensuring precise movement and mapping. These features are great for avoiding obstacles and ensuring the robot doesn’t vacuum up anything it shouldn’t –something you'll appreciate if you've heard about Derek's unfortunate incident between a robot vac and a wayward dog poo.

Now, if there’s one thing we're not crazy about, it’s the noise level. This robot is not exactly quiet, so you probably wouldn't want to run it whilst you're watching TV or if the kids are napping. The dust collection process back at the Uniclean station is also pretty loud, but the great cleaning performance and the sparkling results more than make up for the noise, so it’s not a deal-breaker.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best powerful robot vacuum

The Dreame L40 Ultra is clearly designed with functionality in mind rather than just looking pretty. The robot itself is sleek and stylish, featuring a LiDAR module on top and an RGB camera at the front to spot dirt and avoid obstacles. However, the dock is another story –a towering 59cm block that’s hard to ignore and will definitely dominate whatever space you place it in.

However, the real standout is the impressive 11,000 Pa suction power. This robot tackles everything from fine dust to larger debris like crumbs without a hitch –something not all robot vacuums can do. Whether it’s pet hair on carpets or scattered cereal on hard floors, the L40 Ultra handles it all with ease.

Its mopping performance is just as strong, with the dual spinning pads tackling sticky spills, dried coffee stains and even light mud with no problem. Plus, the ability for the mop to detach automatically when it’s not in mopping mode is a game-changer. Add in the use of hot water and detergent, and it’s clear this robot offers a top-tier cleaning performance that outshines many of its competitors.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best low-maintenance robot vacuum

The newest robot vacuum cleaner from Tapo is the *wait for it*: the Tapo LiDAR Navigation Robot Vacuum & Mop & Smart Auto-Empty Dock. For concise purposes, we'll be calling it the Tapo RV30 Robot Vacuum... and it's a pretty great robot vacuum cleaner, especially if you want good cleaning that's low maintenance.

Whilst it has a generic style, the Tapo RV30 Plus Robot Vacuum packs in some cool features that can rival other competitors. The big appeal to this robot vac is the self-emptying bin, which delivers all of that dust and detritus to a sizeable built-in bin. You get four litres, which is pretty good for a robot vac as they’re generally low-capacity, empty regularly appliances. The manufacturer reckons you’ll get up to 70 days usage before needing to pay a visit to your main bin to empty the container.

Another plus point is its mopping functionality, which can be added on should you wish to use it. There’s a 300ml water tank, which can cover an area up to 200sqm. This is compounded by three water flows, which make the Tapo RV30 Plus Robot Vacuum quite potent at giving your tiled areas a decent makeover.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best hybrid robot vacuum

Shark is renowned for its high-quality vacuum cleaners, but it hasn’t ventured much into the world of robots until the launch of the Shark Matrix Plus. Like other Shark products, this model is impressively designed and well-built, and we were able to unbox and set it up in no time. Ideally, you should charge it for six hours before its first use, but once that’s done, the setup is a breeze. The Shark app is thoughtfully designed, providing precise control over all the features and functions, which made the whole testing process even smoother.

For mopping, there's a small tank that needs to be attached to the robot after filling it with water. However, we were really impressed with the mopping performance, and it managed to clean effectively without releasing too much water during the process. Plus, the price point is very reasonable for a robot with such a solid set of features. It handles both vacuuming and mopping to a high standard, offering great value overall.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best compact robot vacuum

Released last year, the Eufy Clean X9 Pro is a standout hybrid floor cleaner that excels on hard floors and is especially effective at tackling pet hair. With its app and advanced mapping capabilities, the X9 Pro handles all your cleaning tasks with ease, especially when it comes to mopping.

The only downside is the absence of an auto dustbin-emptying system, which would have elevated its ranking on this list. However, this also makes it a great option for those looking for something more compact and less noticeable. From a mopping perspective, it’s also one of the most efficient robot models available, which explains why it won Best Robot Vacuum Cleaner in the T3 Awards 2024.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best multi-surface robot vacuum

The ECOVACS Deebot T20 Omni is a high-end robot vacuum that thoroughly vacuums rugs, tile, and hardwood, and scrubs hard surfaces clean. The vacuum is designed to seamlessly transition from hard floor surfaces to rugs, which it does successfully, although it may get a little stuck on tassels here and there.

The smartphone interface may take some getting used to, but once the device learns the layout of your home, it’s a handy way to keep your floors clear and sparkling while you do anything but clean. Like most robot vacuums, it's got a pretty compact and sleek design, and overall, it does a good job around the house.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best stylish robot vacuum

Despite some navigation anomalies, the stylish new Dyson 360 Vis Nav is a superbly designed robot vacuum cleaner replete with a D-shaped body and an extra long brush bar for full width cleaning. Its suction power, too, is commendable. However, this model doesn’t come with a self-emptying bin so if you have a herd of hairy pets in the home, it might not be the best robot vac for you.

You need to be a little more patient with this model when setting it up for the first time because its top-mounted 360˚ camera and navigation software is slow and bit dubious when it comes to initially mapping your home. In fact you may need to initiate a few separate mapping runs before it collates your entire floor plan accurately and even then, the map it creates isn’t as comprehensive as some others on this page.

However, on the plus side, the 360 Vis Nav’s build quality and range of unique design flourishes are second to none and, once it’s ensconced itself in your home, it should provide regularly scheduled clean ups with very few issues. Just be sure to not leave any small clutter like wires and small toys lying about or it will likely run slipshod over them.

• Back to the top ⤴

The best robot vacuum for pet owners

Despite being a few years old, the Roomba S9+ is still arguably the most advanced robot vac around at the moment. It boasts an automatic bin-emptying function that is truly hands off, which we would always advise going for if you have pets in the home. That's because the alternative is having to empty the bot’s tiny bin yourself on a pretty regular basis.

At 2,200 Pascals, the iRobot Roomba s9+ has extremely powerful suction and that means it's an excellent option for those with a lot of carpet. It also automatically detects the type of floor surface it’s on, ramping up or lowering the suction accordingly. The 3,300mAh battery, meanwhile, keeps the bot running for up to an impressive 120 minutes at a time. Its mapping system is also one of the best we’ve seen and the app that accompanies it is a joy to use.

Is there anything it’s not good at? Yes, to some degree thin rugs, especially if they have tasseled edges. Since the two rubber rollers are set lower than other vacs, they tend to snatch tassels and the edges of thin rugs on a fairly regular basis. However, in many instances the S9+’s roller will turn off if its sensor detects loose material and either back off or attempt to climb over the ruffled rug to continue on its path. If you have the financial wherewithal and a lot of carpets, you might not find a more complete model for your needs.

• Back to the top ⤴

How we test robot vacuum cleaners

When it comes to testing robot vacuums, we take a pretty hands-on approach to see how well these little machines really perform. We start by unboxing and setting them up, which can be a bit of a mixed bag – some models are super easy to get up and running, whilst others might require a little more time or tech-savviness. Once they're charged and ready, it’s all about putting them through their paces. We test them on different floor types (hardwood, carpet, tiles) because every surface can bring out different strengths and weaknesses. A robot vacuum that does great on hardwood might not handle thick carpets as well, so we want to see how versatile it is.

Next, we like to focus on the cleaning performance. It’s not just about whether it picks up dust and debris – it’s about how well it tackles pet hair, how long it runs, and whether it can navigate tricky areas like around furniture or in corners. We also pay attention to how the vacuum handles obstacles, like rugs or cables. Does it get stuck constantly, or can it adapt and keep going? If it's a model with mopping capabilities, we’ll test that too, seeing how well it handles wet cleaning tasks and if it leaves any streaks behind.

Finally, we test the ease of use. Robot vacuums might be convenient, but not if they require constant maintenance or are too complicated to control. We check out how user-friendly the app is, whether the mapping process is smooth, and how easy it is to schedule cleaning sessions or set custom zones. Of course, noise level is another factor – no one wants a vacuum that sounds like a jet engine! All these elements come together to help us decide which robot vacuums truly live up to the hype.

How to buy the best robot vacuum cleaner for you

Most of the robots here come with docking stations and do the following: clean, return to their docking stations when their batteries are dying, clean again, return home once finished.

The robots can also all be taken off their charging stations, put in a room with the door shut, and made to clean there only, although then they usually won't return to base. However, the latest and greatest robots not only map your home accurately, they also let you specify which part of the map is which, so you can dispatch your robot pal to clean only the bathroom or home cinema space.

Navigation is usually via a mix of sensors, LiDARs and cameras. The latter technology is the most cutting-edge but that is not to say it is necessarily better than the ones that use LiDAR laser scanning. As you can imagine, a robot that navigates by 'looking' upwards with a LiDAR is going to struggle if it goes under a sofa. They all have drop sensors to prevent them falling down the stairs.

Now, the first rule of robot vac buyers' club is this: do NOT try to use a robot vac like a normal one. Don't use it once a week, or to clean up spills. You will go mad. Robot vacs, by definition, do not suck up as much dust as proper vacs. Even if they did, they could only hold a little bit of it in their compact, frisbee-like bodies. However, they are robots after all, and you can make them clean every single day and they won't complain.

As well as setting these robot slaves to work every day, I also strongly recommend you let them work while you're out, or otherwise occupied. Why? Well, if you watch most of these robots working, it will drive you mad. You can see the debris it should be picking up. You're willing it to move there, but it has its own 'intelligent' preset way of cleaning. It'll get there when it damn well gets there, and even then, maybe it'll miss it.

Also, robots hate moving obstacles such as humans. So get out and let it do its thang, is my advice. I mean, do you like being watched while you work? Exactly. It's also a bit of a waste of time trying to use the 'spot cleaning' modes on most of these robots – a cordless/handheld vac of some sort is so much easier.

Best robot vacuum cleaner FAQs

Why should I choose a robot vacuum cleaner instead of a cordless?

A robot vacuum might be better than a cordless vacuum because it offers hands-free, automated cleaning, saving you time and effort. Whilst a cordless vacuum requires you to actively push it around and remember to charge it, a robot vacuum can be scheduled to clean your floors automatically, navigating around furniture and obstacles on its own.

Plus, many robot vacuums return to their charging stations on their own when needed, so you don’t have to worry about recharging it manually. It’s the perfect solution for busy people who want a clean home without the hassle of constant upkeep.

Read our advice on cordless vs robot vacuum cleaners for further guidance.

What should I know before buying a robot vacuum cleaner?

People can make several common mistakes when using robot vacuums, often due to misunderstanding how these devices work or overlooking important setup steps. This is why it's important to know what you're getting yourself into before making any big purchases – they're not cheap after all.

For example, some users expect robot vacuums to clean perfectly in one pass, without realising that these devices are designed for maintenance cleaning rather than deep cleaning. Others place the charging dock in an inconvenient location, making it hard for the vacuum to find its way back.

Read the 3 mistakes everyone makes with robot vacuum cleaners to find out more.

Reviewer Panel

Lizzie Wilmot

Lizzie may have put this guide together for you, but she’s not exactly the biggest robot vacuum fan – which actually makes her reviews even more valuable. She knows precisely what makes a good model, and what you should steer clear of, so her insights are especially useful.

Derek Adams

Derek specialises in home and outdoor products and has personally tested most of the robot vacuum cleaners featured in this guide. As a self-confessed robot vacuum enthusiast, his expertise shines through in every review.

Rob Clymo

Rob has been a tech journalist for longer than he can remember, and lately, he’s been focusing his expertise on all things home appliances. When it comes to robot vacuums, he probably knows more than the rest of us combined.

Lee Bell

Lee is a freelance journalist with a specialism in technology and how cutting-edge innovations are shaking up our lifestyles. That makes him the perfect person to weigh in on all things robotic.

Lizzy Briskin

Lizzy is a regular contributor to T3, lending her expertise to a wide range of reviews – including plenty of home and lifestyle products. She’s got a keen eye for detail, which makes her reviews a trusted source.