There’s a lot to appreciate about the sharp, handheld control of a robust cordless stick vacuum. However, if you don’t find cleaning therapeutic, the finest robot vacuums can completely remove that task from your agenda.

Having tested more than 25 robot vacuums on my own surfaces (my apartment is very tidy), I can assuredly recommend a variety of robot vacuums that will simplify your life and suit your finances.

Are Roombas the top robot vacuums?

Although some Roombas are truly outstanding robot vacuums, they aren’t the only commendable choices on the market. iRobot ruled the robot vacuum industry from the early 2000s until recently, which explains why many individuals perceive “Roomba” as a generic term for any robotic vacuum cleaner.

Nevertheless, Roombas are no longer unmatched. You can’t even search for “Roomba” without stumbling upon debates about whether Shark or Roomba is superior. Brands like Roborock and Eufy merit recognition as they persist in launching new models that frequently provide better value than Roombas within the same price bracket.

I routinely evaluate new robot vacuums and juxtapose them against leading models from previous months, with all assessments carried out in my residence across different carpets, tiles, and hardwood floors. During the evaluation, I observe their suction strength, scrubbing efficiency (when it’s a vacuum and mop combination), capability to pick up pet hair, ease of automatic emptying and self-cleaning mopping pads, precision of smart mapping and obstacle avoidance, and overall user satisfaction. Price efficiency is key—I will point out when an affordable robot vacuum performs admirably for its cost or when a premium model justifies the expense.

Through ongoing testing, I’ve pinpointed the top robot vacuum for every household and budget in 2025.

Other robot vacuums I’ve evaluated recently

I’ve assessed several leading robot vacuums in the past that did not make the latest list. Some, like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Roborock Qrevo Master, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and various Roomba j7 versions, were previously top suggestions but have now been eclipsed by newer, more efficient models delivering greater value.

I’ve also examined some 2025 robot vacuum releases that were satisfactory but not my top choices. The Dreame X50 Ultra gained notoriety at its CES 2025 unveiling for its “climbing” capabilities, although it cannot ascend thresholds exceeding 6 millimeters (around 2.36 inches). Several new Dreame robot vacuums are anticipated to debut in fall 2025, including a model with enhanced climbing features and another with a self-empty docking station capable of holding three sets of mopping pads. I’ll evaluate these as soon as I can and update my preferred selections accordingly.